Saving the Vaillancourt Fountain: Local Organization Challenges City’s Decision
San Francisco’s iconic Vaillancourt Fountain along the Embarcadero is facing the threat of destruction, but a local organization is fighting back. Northern California’s chapter of Docomomo US, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Modernist sites, has formally challenged the city’s decision to dismantle the beloved fountain.
The Brutalist fountain, created by 96-year-old Canadian sculptor Armand Vaillancourt in 1971, has been a significant landmark in the city for decades. Known as “Québec Libre,” the fountain has played a central role in San Francisco’s cultural history, attracting visitors and skateboarders alike.
Despite its cultural significance, the city’s parks and recreation department has approved the construction of a multi-million-dollar waterfront park that would cover the fountain and its surrounding area. This decision has sparked opposition from preservationists, community members, and even the artist himself.
The San Francisco Arts Commission cited “public safety hazards” as the reason for dismantling the fountain, claiming the presence of lead and asbestos at the site. However, Docomomo argues that the deteriorating state of the fountain is a result of the park department’s neglect of maintenance.
Rehabilitating the sculpture would cost the city an estimated $29 million, while dismantling and storing it is projected to cost $4.4 million. Despite these figures, the city is moving forward with plans to remove the fountain as soon as February.
Artist’s Plea
Armand Vaillancourt, approaching his 97th birthday, expressed his dismay at the prospect of his fountain’s destruction, calling it “the best of me.” The artist and his family, along with Docomomo, are advocating for the city to rehabilitate the fountain rather than destroy it.
Vaillancourt recounted the history of the fountain’s creation, including his involvement with the American Indian Movement and his protest against the Vietnam War. The artist’s personal connection to the fountain adds another layer of significance to the ongoing battle to save it.
Public Opinion
Public testimony collected by the San Francisco Arts Commission reflects a divided opinion on the fate of the fountain. While some view it as a “hideous” eyesore that should be removed, others see it as an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape.
As the debate continues, the future of the Vaillancourt Fountain hangs in the balance. Whether it will be preserved as a symbol of San Francisco’s history or demolished to make way for a new park remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates on the fight to save the Vaillancourt Fountain.
