Alterations will continue on iconic Mecom Fountain
Turner rejects pleas to stop work on project
Despite concerns expressed by preservationists, alterations to the historic Mecom Fountain will continue, Mayor Sylvester Turner said Thursday.
“I am uncomfortable stopping the project after three-quarters of the work has already been done,” Turner said via email. “When everything is finished, we will see what people think. If it turns out not to be the best representation of the historic nature of the fountain, we will have a conversation about another path forward. None of the work being done right now will prohibit changes from being made in the future.”
Workers on Thursday continued to apply limestone slabs to the base of the 1964 fountain in the center of the roundabout at Main and Montrose. The work is part of a project to create a new entryway to nearby Hermann Park.
The Texas Historical Commission approved the plans, but the application was not specific about changes to the fountain. The commission this week asked that the work be paused.
Designed by architect Eugene Werlin, who later designed Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre, the fountain is eligible for the National Historic Register. A low cast-concrete bowl, with crisp modern edges, formed the foun- tain’s original base, to which the workers are now adding the limestone. Plans also call for topping the wall with a protruding limestone surface.
The fountain’s refurbished base will match new planters to be installed nearby.
Critics said it’s inappropriate to cover an integral part of the distinctive modern artwork in a way that masks its original style.
“The limestone really goes against the midcentury lines and design of the fountain,” said David Bush, acting executive director of Preservation Houston.
“Do we have to put limestone on everything now? Do we want to be the Hill Country that badly?”