Memory Fairmount Park

Memory: Fairmount Park establishes a visual reference to a lost historic neighborhood fabric. Six houses built in the early 1900’s once occupied the block but were removed in 1990, shortly before the Fairmount neighborhood was named a National Historic District.  Rusting steel pipes periodically break the surface of the ground providing the only visual evidence in the park of the historic neighborhood fabric.

A memory of this neighborhood block is formed with stepped tables located were the steps and porches of the three houses once stood.  The tables and benches reestablish a gathering place for neighbors and visitors.  These installations are placed along Henderson Street allowing the area to the East to be the community playfield, as requested by the neighborhood.

Basalt gravel fills the absence of walks that once approached the houses.  The table tops are solid surface supported by steel plate substructure and stainless steel pipe.  Benches are composed of South American hardwood supported by weathered steel pipe. 

A single tree is planted at the end of each table a provide shade where once broad porches protected residents and guests.  Three trees provide different color throughout the seasons an homage to the individual character of these homes that for over 70 years were a part of the National Historic District of Fairmount.