Photo Courtesy of The Chicago Park District Historic Archives
Dr. Andrzej Dajnowski and Bartosz Dajnowski, CSOS founders, have employed the Nd:YAG laser technique to restore many historic sculptures around the city and the world including Chicago’s Bowman bronze sculpture on Michigan Avenue and laser cleaning the Jefferson Memorial. CSOS is the first private company in the USA to utilize laser cleaning technology for large scale conservation projects. With their custom designed and custom built laser systems, CSOS offers environmentally friendly and chemical free cleaning of metals, stone, glass, wood, and other substrates with unmatched precision.
“Our namesake park has been a place for residents and visitors to come together for over a century,” says WPB SSA #33 Commission Chair David James Ginople. “Restoring Gurgoyle Fountain helps maintain the vitality of our commercial district, as well as preserving an important historic landmark. We’re proud to support this project for the benefit of the entire neighborhood.”
HISTORY: The original cast iron Gurgoyle Fountain was created and installed in 1895 by J.L. Motts Iron Works. In 1908, the fountain was removed and a wading pool for children was installed in its place. A replica of the 1895 Gurgoyle Fountain was reinstalled in 2002 by Robinson Iron, cast from the original fountain molds.
“Numerous historic photos dating from 1895 show that the fountain court was the center of activity and a meeting place for people from the neighborhood and from all over the city,” says Doug Wood, the coordinator of events, fundraising, promotions and special initiatives for Wicker Park Advisory Council. “I’ve worked as volunteer in the park almost daily since 2002. Gurgoyle Fountain has again become a neighborhood symbol of life, change, creative inspiration and accomplishment, and positive growth. With the support of WPB SSA #33, the fountain will continue to be the center of our community.”
WPB SSA#33 Long Term Partner of Park: In 2007, WPB SSA #33 partnered with the Wicker Park Advisory Council (WPAC) to fund the purchase of eight white urns that mark the four entrances to the fountain court. In addition, WPAC raised the funds for 12 historic benches that encircle the fountain court.
LONG TERM PRESERVATION: Moving forward, WPAC will work with WPB SSA #33, the Chicago Park District and elected city officials to establish and obtain funding for an annual maintenance plan for Gurgoyle Fountain. Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area #33, one of more than 50 business improvement districts in the City of Chicago, is administered by the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and led by a volunteer Commission of SSA taxpayers approved by Aldermen in the 1st Ward, 2nd Ward and 32nd Ward. From community grants, festival support and public art to street cleaning, landscaping and neighborhood ambassador programs, WPB SSA #33 contributes to the economic development and vitality of the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.wickerparkbucktown.org