Heavy lifting begins on City Hall fountain reconstruction project

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Downtown pedestrians will see heavy construction now underway in front of City Hall as part of a transformation for a well-known civic structure.

The large stone fountain and retaining wall located north of City Hall is being entirely removed and reconstructed as part of a $190,655 Parks Tax-funded project.

Drivers and pedestrians passing Downtown will see much of the previous fountain now demolished as crews begin regrading the site for improved visibility and pedestrian safety. The new fountain structure will be lowered to improve line-of-sight issues for drivers on Frederick and Faraon streets.

Demolition included all of the brick, stone and concrete materials by the fountain, including the large concrete retaining wall. Once the site is regraded, a new fountain and circular patio area will be installed with benches. The well-known wheel and wagon statue will be reinstalled as part of the new layout.

The project also includes the construction of a new sidewalk and installation of decorative landscape rocks, in addition to grass being replanted around the concrete fountain structure.

The entire project is in line to be complete by spring of 2026.