Thompson Elk Fountain

In May 2022, with contribution by a generous donor, the Portland Parks Foundation began work on a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the David P. Thompson Elk Fountain and the return to its historic home in Southwest Main Street.

Originally commissioned in 1900 to honor the Oregon Humane Society, the Elk Fountain was damaged and had to be removed during 2020’s downtown social unrest. 

Collaborating with the offices of Commissioners Dan Ryan, Mingus Mapps, and Carmen Rubio and City Arts Program Manager Jeff Hawthorne, PPF crafted a unique, innovative private/public partnership to bring the Thompson Elk Fountain back: 

• the Foundation commissions full contract drawings for the design and engineering of the Elk Fountain’s restoration, complete with a seismic upgrade, a recirculating pump, and graffiti resistant coating

• the city then contracts the construction.

• our partnership expedites the Elk Fountain’s return by 18 months and assures best preservation and resiliency practices will be applied to the design. 

PPF raised the necessary $160,000 for our part of the deal from 65 donors led by William and Kit Hawkins, Ronna Hoffman, John Russell, Tim & Mary Boyle, Steve Dotterer and the Kinsman Foundation.  PPF is working with the highly experienced historic preservation firm, Architectural Resource Group, to do the work. The design kickoff happened August 2. The Portland Water Bureau will lead the construction contracting and oversight. 

For more information on our process and the amazing history of the Thompson Elk Fountain, check out the links below.

Thank you to our donors!