Renovation of Hanover Square fountain to wrap by year’s end

SYRACUSE — The effort to renovate the fountain in Hanover Square, which started back in mid-June, is ongoing and will continue through the fall. The City of Syracuse, Department of Parks, Recreation, & Youth Programs says the work area is at the intersection of Warren, Water, and East Genesee streets in the downtown area. The project “marks a significant step in revitalizing one of downtown Syracuse’s most historic and cherished public spaces,” the department said in its announcement. Key improvements will include restoration of the original 1981 central fountain and water-circulation system. That work will maintain the waterspout and cascading water features. In addition, the work includes installation of new lighting and mechanical infrastructure, enhanced landscaping and planting beds, and site accessibility repairs and pedestrian-circulation updates.

The project cost is about $1.5 million and QPK Design, LLP of Syracuse is the architect on this initiative. JMR Excavation of Skaneateles is the general contractor, Burns Bros Contractors of Syracuse is the plumbing contractor, and O’Connell Electric Company is the electrician, per the City of Syracuse Office of Communications. “After feedback from stakeholders, the Landscape Architecture team at QPK Design developed a modern, resilient façade for the fountain, enhanced seating via integrated seat walls, new lighting and planting improvements,” according to a QPK Design website page providing details about the project. “This project is a reinvestment in the cultural and architectural heart of downtown,” Syeisha Byrd, Department of Parks, Recreation, & Youth Programs commissioner, said in the announcement. “By restoring the fountain and introducing new features like lighting, seating, and sounds, we’re reinforcing Hanover Square as a destination and point of pride for Syracuse residents, businesses, and visitors.” Construction will continue through late fall 2025 with work hours scheduled for weekdays from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. “with minimal disruption to surrounding businesses,” the department noted. West Genesee Street will remain accessible for emergency and pedestrian use throughout construction.