Priddy Fountain

Approached by the donors for a memorial fountain redesign in the heart of an established urban setting minutes from downtown, we accepted the challenge of the design, installation, and construction.   We coordinated with the town's council and citizens who had turned down the designs of several other firms to come to a consensus on the design of this major town portal.  Since 1987, the original fountain--built with inferior porous stone--had suffered severe freeze/thaw damage.  After less than 3 months of design and planning, our firm was given permission to begin with only 4 months to finish before the plaza’s Easter dedication.  Within that timeframe, the fountain had to be hand carved in Italy, shipped, constructed, and ready for a rededication.  With diligent planning and excellent project management, we were able to meet the deadline and budget without compromising the design, craftsmanship, or construction quality. In order to give the 40’ diameter by 18’ tall structure the scale needed, we used classical urns to broaden the base, offsetting the height of the central fountain. An Italian visitor summed up everyone's feelings when he drove by, as he leaned out of his car window and proudly exclaimed to our project manager, “It’s bellisima!"