Thompson Elk Fountain project update

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 07/03/2025 03:00 PM PDT

Thompson Elk Fountain restoration project update

We are repairing the historic Thompson Elk Fountain and returning the iconic statue to its original location on SW Main Street.

Construction happening now

Construction on the Thompson Elk Fountain project is starting July 7, 2025. 

First, crews will set up equipment and fencing around the project area. Then they will remove the fountain base and boulders.

Happening next

Crews will dig a trench for the new fountain vault, which will hold the fountain’s water underground. This stainless-steel vault will be installed this summer underneath the stone fountain base.

Crews will also prepare to install plumbing and electric for the recirculating water pump. Recirculating the water in the fountain will save up to 18,720 gallons of water per day, which adds up to more than 6.8 million gallons per year.

Visit the project webpage

Road closures

This project requires road closures on SW Main Street from SW 3rd Avenue to SW 4th Avenue, between Lownsdale and Chapman Squares. Closures will last through winter 2025. 

Detour routes will change as work progresses. Traffic signs and flaggers will direct travelers around the closure areas. Use caution and follow all instructions when passing through the area. Stay alert and be prepared for traffic to suddenly slow or stop.  

What to expect during construction

Construction timelines and activities to change due to weather or other scheduling needs

Work hours from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday

Changing traffic patterns due to road closures

Limited parking near the construction area

Noise from saws, excavators, dump trucks, concrete pump trucks, and generators

What to expect during Water Bureau construction

Historic granite restoration

The Water Bureau’s contractor shipped sample pieces of the salvaged granite fountain base to the quarry in Barre, Vermont, that supplied the original granite for this beloved landmark.

The quarry used the original granite pieces as templates to cut slabs of granite to the correct sizes needed for the new base pieces. Then the slabs were shipped to a stone fabricating company in Cleveland, Ohio.

The stone fabricating company is working to make new stone elements to replace the damaged pieces. They are sculpting the granite pieces and assembling them to make sure everything fits. Then they will ship the pieces back to Portland for installation.

Learn about the Thompson Elk's importance to City history

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