Preservation Pushback Gains Traction at SF Arts Commission Meeting
San Francisco, CA - October 7th, 2025
Liz Waytkus, Executive Director of Docomomo US provides comments during the San Francisco Arts Commission hearing on Monday, October 6, 2025, at San Francisco City Hall.
Docomomo US/Northern California, along with a broad coalition of architectural preservationists, landscape historians, and community members, delivered a strong message of support for the Vaillancourt Fountain at the San Francisco Arts Commission meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025.
This proved to be a pivotal moment, during which Commissioners questioned the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s demolition plan, its cost estimates, and the process for deaccession. They also inquired about the department's jurisdiction and role in that process, as well as whether it would lead to the destruction of a monumental public work. Commissioners recognized the fountain as meaningful and impactful and raised the possibility of adapting the fountain and integrating it into the redevelopment of Sue Bierman Park.
Board members and friends of Docomomo US/Northern California were joined by Liz Waytkus, the executive director of Docomomo US, which is our national parent organization, and by TCLF board member Connor Turnbull. Together they delivered a powerful, unified front at the meeting, advocating for the preservation and rehabilitation of the Vaillancourt Fountain against the SF Recreation and Park’s demolition proposal. Speakers addressed the fountain’s irreplaceable significance as a Brutalist icon, a site of free speech, skateboarding history, Indigenous rights activism, San Francisco’s progressive spirit, and as an essential component of the California Register-listed Market Street Cultural Landscape District. They directly challenged the City’s push for deaccession, arguing that the fountain’s deterioration is a result of deferred maintenance that should not set a dangerous precedent of demolishing public art. Docomomo US/Northern California board members scrutinized the exorbitant $29 million restoration estimate, advising the Commission not to base its decision on a figure designed to eliminate preservation options, and citing potential violations of the California Art Preservation Act (CAPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) due to a lack of transparency and pre-commitment to a design that removes a historic resource. The organization urged the San Francisco Arts Commission to uphold its charter duty of stewardship, embrace adaptive reuse, and allow time for a transparent public and fundraising process to secure the future of this world-class destination.
Public comments in favor of retaining the fountain were diverse, but united in their efforts to find a solution that avoided demolition. Many speakers advocated for either restoring or repurposing the fountain, rather than removing it. A range of compromises was discussed, including temporarily storing the fountain until funds could be secured for its restoration and reinstallation, adapting the site around the existing structure, or preserving the fountain as a landmark work of art even if the water systems aren’t immediately restored.
One theme of public comments opposing the fountain was the focus on deferred maintenance of the fountain and its surrounding area. This issue is well within the city’s ability to address and should not necessitate the demolition of a landmark work of art. Others focused on the need to bring foot traffic to the businesses operating around Sue Bierman Park. The presence of the fountain as an iconic public work meets this need and serves as an attraction that draws people to Sue Bierman Park, supporting the economy and tourism efforts discussed.
The conversation now shifts to the next crucial steps in the City’s process, where the fate of the fountain will be decided. Docomomo US/Northern California will continue to mobilize our advocacy efforts. We urge all members and supporters to prepare for and attend upcoming Visual Arts Committee Meetings, Full SF Arts Commission Meetings, and SF Recreation and Park Meetings to ensure the public remains a vital voice in the city’s process. If you aren't local or are unable to show up in person, please share your thoughts by submitting a public comment to these decision makers via email. You can use our easy email template or adapt it with a personal message!