".....Fountain Square is the most well known and beloved, public gathering spaces in Cincinnati. Over the years, it has been the site of world series championship celebrations, presidential speeches, political rallies and a wide variety of other public events important to the life and history of the city of Cincinnati".....
Before there was a Fountain Square, there was a Fountain. In 1871, the fountain was commissioned by Cincinnati businessman Henry Probasco as a gift to the city of Cincinnati in memory of his brother in law, Tyler Davidson. The Tyler Davidson Fountain symbolizes the many uses of water and is appropriately named "The Genius of Water".
Some many years later, the Tyler Davidson Fountain itself began to show signs of age. A comprehensive assessment determined that the fountain's structure was deteriorating and near collapse. The community came together and raised funds to restore the Fountain, which by this time had come to truly symbolize Cincinnati. By the year 2000, the Fountain had been fully restored and yet another rededication, a similar rededication to the one as was held in 1871 did take place.....
The benefits of the "reinvestment in Fountain Square" are widely evident. The Cincinnati Enquirer, May 28, 2009 declared on it's front page: "Remodel it, They will come, The Square is hot"
"Pictured are ladies for reception in event's evening program---free, high quality entertainment brings 10's of thousands to downtown"
"Great music and entertainment of all types plus the added bonus all kinds of foods, fellowship, and best of free offerings re/Cincinnati"
"Because it is a city owned public space, Fountain Square may be used for events sponsored by public, non FSMG events are on rise"... For permit events visit Fountain Square's www.myfountainsquare.com
"The total project cost to renovate the Fountain Square Plaza and parking garage was $48.9 million. The city funded $4 million and the remaining $44.9 million was funded privately within the community"
"By 2003, City and civic leaders determined that a renovated Fountain Square followed by an aggressive and proactive plan to create events and activities needed to happen quickly --- it certainly has happened"
"For almost a century, the Tyler Davidson Fountain stood in the middle of fifth street, with traffic running on either side. In 1961, concerned about traffic flow prompted a proposal to add a landscaped, boulevard-type mall around the Fountain. Three years later, the 1964 "Plan for Downtown Cincinnati" called for the development of a Square. In 1969, Fountain Square, including an underground parking garage, was completed. The "Genius of Water" was moved from her longtime perch, about 30 feet east and turned 180° to face west. After some additional restoration to the Fountain, the new Fountain Square, complete with skywalks and elevated platforms popular in the 1970s' and designed to shield visitors from what was perceived as the "harsh urban core", was dedicated on October 16, 1971. The goal of the design was to create an oasis". Today, FSMG generates about $750,000/yr with it's individual & corporate sponsors"...
More Fountain Square photos can be found in the Gallery Photos!
