A downtown Wilmette landmark built during the nation’s bicentennial is getting a major repair as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary.
During an Aug. 25 meeting, village trustees approved a $91,300 contract for masonry restoration at the Village Hall fountain and its retaining wall. Village Manager Michael Braiman told trustees the fountain and wall show significant deterioration, and he said the work supports the village’s goal of maintaining public spaces.
The fountain was built in 1976, and officials said it has not seen this level of repair in its roughly 50-year history. Village staff evaluated the fountain’s footing and foundation this summer to confirm structural integrity. The assessment found the structure remains intact, and officials said masonry restoration provides a long-term repair path.
A village memo also pointed to the budget side of preservation work. While the investment is significant, officials said restoration costs far less than full demolition and reconstruction, which they estimated at more than 10 years away.
Work is scheduled to begin in late fall and is expected to take about three weeks, according to village officials.
Read the full, original article from therecordnorthshore.org here.