LYNN — The historic water fountain that lives in the middle of the Lynn Commons is being completely restored and renovated.
“The fountain has had an iconic presence on Lynn Commons for more than 125 years,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. “As the City prepares to celebrate its 175th birthday, we are very pleased to be restoring the current fountain to its former greatness, so that generations of residents and visitors can more fully enjoy this popular gathering place.”
It’s a project that costs about $500,000, but, according to city officials, it will be worth every penny. Not only will this work make for a once-again fully functioning water fountain, but the installation of new LED lights will allow the water to shine in different colors easier and faster than ever before.
“It’s been something we have wanted to get done, and it’s just going to be great for the city,” said Ward 6 City Councilor Fred Hogan. “The Commons will be a very welcoming place for everyone and the [updated] fountain will make it really special.”
Hogan said this restoration project has been a long process, one that took patience and partnership with Ward 5 City Councilor Diana Chakoutis who he shares the commons with, Raffaele Construction, and Mayor Nicholson’s office. The physical work started almost three months ago, while the planning and design for it took well over a year and a half.
And the cost of the work is steep, so it’s a good thing the city is getting some help. Thanks to a Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) grant, which was awarded through the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Lynn will be reimbursed for $350,000.
“In addition, that grant requires a match from the city,” said Ivan Gort-Cabeza de Vaca, Project Manager for the Lynn Department of Community Development. “My department is the one who will match that with $150,000.”
The company in charge of the actual restoration of the historical piece is Cassidy Bros. Forge, Inc., a metal fabricator based out of Rowley, Massachusetts. Vice President Peter Cassidy said they removed it from the commons using a crane and brought it back to Rowley in order to restore it there. Their work, while spread out over time, really only takes about two to three months, he said.
“It’s interesting to work on historic pieces that were created by masters in their age that are no longer with us,” Cassidy continued. “We see the great work done before us, but we also see the mistakes they’ve made. In the process of restoration, we are able to learn from their mistakes and improve our level of craftsmanship.”
Once the work on both the fountain itself and the area where the fountain lives is done, Cassidy says they will haul it back to Lynn from Rowley. Hogan says the whole project will be done and ready to enjoy by this summer, while Gort-Cabeza de Vaca actually anticipates it all being done by April.
Hogan says he remembers at least two other times in his lifetime when the fountain was either renovated or fixed. Now, he says, he is excited for its latest look, along with all the other upgrades happening throughout the commons.
“The Lynn Commons is supposed to be our treasure,” he continued. “This is a community space everyone should enjoy in the City of Lynn.”
