Progress on Panther Fountain Restoration

The cold and wet winter season slowed down work on Panther Fountain. The crew did their best to work around the weather and protect the new fountain surfaces from extreme cold. The four urns and the 12 decorative panels along the base of fountain were moved to WASCO’s shop so they could continue working during inclement weather. These pieces are now finished and remounted. There has also been a delay in second shipment of DRYVIT, the synthetic stucco being used.

East Tennessee Rooter & Plumbing is handling the plumbing/pump portion of the project.  The original water spouts which flow from the panther heads have been successfully removed with very little damage to the heads, and new spouts will be inserted. We are  optimistic that the original drain inside fountain can be cleaned out and operational once again. That is really good news!

There is a lot of spalling (the result of water entering stone, forcing the surface to peel or flake off) on the obelisk. In order to repair, all the loose concrete must first be chiseled off. In some instances the crew will have to totally remake details that were destroyed by spalling. If you look, you can see where they have remade portions of the stars at base of obelisk. They are truly craftsmen.

The patience and support of the neighbors close to the fountain is greatly appreciated . . . some have even provided snacks to the crew. Thank you. And thanks to everyone who has made this restoration possible.

(A very special thank you to Melinda Ethier for her tireless work.)