A group of concerned Ventnor citizens want to restore the fountain at the Water Works building on Winchester Avenue.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR A group of residents has been working behind the scenes for the last four years to work out a plan to refurbish the fountain in front of the city's still operational Water Works building on Winchester Avenue at Cornwall Avenue.
The site was built nearly 100 years ago, and the large fountain in front of the building has been in disrepair for many years.
Resident Dawn Sena has organized a group of concerned citizens, called the Friends of Ventnor Water Works Foundation Restoration Project, who would like to see the fountain restored by the100th anniversary of its construction sometime in 2023.
We want to see an incredible celebration of this public space for its 100th anniversary, Sena said in a telephone interview Wednesday, Dec. 15.
The bayfront site in the St. Leonard's Tract, is visible from the land, sea and Dorset Avenue bridge.
The Board of Commissioners Dec. 9 held off approving a resolution that would allow the group to proceed with its efforts to restore the fountain.
Commissioner Lance Landgraf said the fountain is in such bad shape, it is difficult at this time to determine if it can be restored or if it will need to be reconstructed.
The resolution, which was tabled until the board's next meeting, would add new construction in the wording allowing the group to proceed.
The concrete has been exposed for too many years without protection, you can see where is cracked in the bowl and statuary, he said. It's in really bad shape.
Sena said she has enlisted the help of a sculptor who can recast the fountain anew and pour fresh concrete where needed.
The fountain sits atop the Water Works, and the pipes leading into the fountain need to be replaced. It will also need new mechanics and lighting to last a long time and be energy efficient, she said. It should be beautifully illuminated so people driving by can see it.
The cost of the restoration could be quite large, and the friends will start a capital and marketing campaign as soon as the city approves the reworded resolution.
We cannot accept any funding without the city's approval, she said. But there's a lot lined up in our plan of action.
Sena also commissioned a watercolor painting of the fountain as it exists now from local artist Steve Kuzma that is on display in front of the library at the Ventnor Cultural Arts Center on Atlantic Avenue. The artist will document the improvement in a new painting when the project is completed, she said.
The Water Works site resembles the Philadelphia Water Works building behind the Philadelphia Art Museum along the Skuyll River. A private restaurateur took over the long-abandoned site and turned it into a restaurant. The building currently hosts lavish weddings and private parties in the scenic setting.
From left, Ventnor Mayor Beth Holtzman, Anne Corrigan and Dawn Sena at the St. Leonard's Association flagpole dedication, Aug. 14. 2021.
Sena said she would like to see the Ventnor Water Works site, which is still pumping fresh water to city residents every day, used in a similar fashion.
We can use our imaginations on how to make this a beautiful gathering place to take selfies or family portraits, she said. By preserving the past, the folks in the future will get to enjoy this beautiful space.
Anyone interested in assisting the effort can email Dawn Sena at [email protected].
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