Docomomo US/Northern California Appeals “Emergency” Removal of Vaillancourt Fountain, Calls for Thoughtful Design Alternatives and Public Process
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – December 1, 2025 – Docomomo US/Northern California (Docomomo NOCA) has formally appealed the San Francisco Arts Commission’s approval of an emergency CEQA exemption regarding the proposed disassembly and removal of the Vaillancourt Fountain from Embarcadero Plaza. The appeal, filed by the Brandt-Hawley Law Group on behalf of Docomomo NOCA, asserts that the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department (RPD) is using a pretextual “emergency” to bypass mandatory environmental review and public engagement for a pre-planned park renovation.
Docomomo NOCA and a coalition of local, national, and international stakeholders maintain that the future of Embarcadero Plaza must be determined through a transparent, equitable, and factual process that respects San Francisco’s history while building upon it. We’re grateful for the support of Armand Vaillancourt, the Halprin family, The Cultural Landscape Foundation, Docomomo US, and the many members of the broader community who have engaged in a thoughtful dialogue.
PDF of the appeal submitted to the San Francisco Clerk of the Board
San Francisco CEQA appeal process: San Francisco Administrative Code Section 31.16
Challenging the “Emergency” Designation
The appeal argues that RPD’s reliance on a statutory exemption for an emergency is legally flawed because there is no “sudden, unexpected occurrence” at the site. Instead, the condition of the historic fountain is the logical outcome of the RPD’s long-term deferred maintenance.
We reject this attempt to recharacterize decades-long known conditions into an artificial emergency.
“City officials have created a false sense of transparency about their review process, which not only justifies this appeal but, quite possibly, the need for further legal action,” said Charles A. Birnbaum, President & CEO of The Cultural Landscape Foundation. “We support this appeal by Docomomo US/Northern California and urge city officials not to do the bidding of a developer that seeks the demolition of a National Register-eligible resource that is also an internationally recognized icon."
Vaillancourt Fountain encircled by a second ring of fencing installed as part of RPD’s emergency measures ahead of proposed removal (November 9, 2025).
A Call for Collaboration and Alternatives
The core of Docomomo NOCA’s appeal is a request to openly analyze preservation alternatives rather than rushing to removal. The organization believes the project can better balance new development with the rehabilitation of Embarcadero Plaza and the Vaillancourt Fountain. This strategy would more thoughtfully spend the estimated $15-30+ million in public and private funds, while more effectively reflecting the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors and supporting downtown’s economic recovery.
Along with fellow coalition members, we stand ready to constructively collaborate and iterate on design options that creatively blend San Francisco’s rich history, patronage of the arts, and evolving technology culture.
“With broad public support for renovating and reinvigorating Armand Vaillancourt’s monumental fountain, it is clear city officials manufactured a false sense of emergency to justify unilateral action,” stated Liz Waytkus, Executive Director of Docomomo US. “We remain steadfast in our support for this nationally significant work and urge the city to complete the legally required environmental review.”
We look forward to demonstrating that alternative concept designs can and do exist, including those that incorporate the historic Lawrence Halprin-designed landscape and the Vaillancourt Fountain.
Respecting Historic Resources
The San Francisco Planning Department formally determined on October 29, 2025, that the fountain is a historic resource, a status that automatically triggers protections under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The fountain is recognized for its Abstract Expressionist and Brutalist design and its role in establishing San Francisco’s renowned public art program.
“Exaggerated claims, a failure to acknowledge years of neglected maintenance, and a fear-based narrative about supposed public dangers have led to a rushed and poorly informed vote by the Arts Commission in favor of dismantling the fountain,” shared Alexis Vaillancourt, son of fountain sculptor Armand Vaillancourt. “In a spirit of collaboration and responsibility toward our shared cultural heritage, we fully support this appeal and any further actions intended to protect and preserve this international landmark.”
Docomomo NOCA urges the Board of Supervisors to uphold the appeal, set aside the exemption determination, and require an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) before considering removal. This process is essential to ensure that all community members are respected and included in this significant civic discussion.
About Docomomo US/Northern California
Docomomo US/Northern California (Docomomo NOCA) is a nonprofit membership organization that promotes the study, interpretation, documentation, and protection of the architecture, landscape, and urban design of the Modern Movement in Northern California. Docomomo is an acronym for the DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods of the MOdern MOvement. Founded in 1996, Docomomo US/Northern California is one of twenty regional chapters of Docomomo US.
Contact us: info@docomomo-noca.org.
Contact information for other coalition members is available on our website.