Weather-dependent concrete pours
Crews have been pouring layers of concrete to create a stable foundation for the granite fountain base.
 Finishing the foundation requires the weather’s cooperation. For the concrete to cure properly, we need good weather: rain-free skies during the pour and temperatures above 45°F for multiple days.
Crews will begin installing parts of the granite fountain base as the concrete cures.
Vault for the recirculating fountain
We’re installing an underground vault to hold electrical and plumbing components for the fountain’s new recirculating water system.
The Thompson Elk site has over 100 years of city history and utility systems beneath it. During excavation, we discovered unexpected components that required us to redesign the fountain vault. We’ve been working with a contractor to manufacture a new stainless-steel vault that will fit with the existing underground utilities.
Recirculating the water in the Thompson Elk Fountain will save up to 18,720 gallons of water a day.
Salvaging historic granite
During the planning process, designers prioritized keeping the historic integrity of the Thompson Elk Fountain. We salvaged as many damaged granite pieces from the original stone fountain as possible. They have been cleaned and will be repurposed as steps for the new base.
 "Presented to the City of Portland by David P. Thompson A.D. 1900"
Crews used a masonry technique called a dutchman repair to bring the original steps back to their former beauty. They carefully cut undamaged parts of the original stone to shape into new pieces. These repaired steps look almost identical to the new granite steps, which came from the same quarry as the original historic granite in Vermont.
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