The removal process of a controversial fountain in San Francisco, crafted by 96-year-old sculptor Armand Vaillancourt from Quebec, has commenced this week, sparking disappointment among supporters who emphasize the historical value of the structure. The initial dismantling steps of Vaillancourt’s fountain, dubbed Québec Libre! or Vaillancourt Fountain, located at Embarcadero Plaza in San Francisco, are underway amid legal disputes and debates between the city and preservation advocates. The iconic piece, a notable representation of brutalist design featuring concrete and unconventional shapes, has faced criticism for its appearance and non-functionality in recent years.
Despite efforts led by Alexis Vaillancourt, Armand’s son, to preserve the fountain, concerns over corrosion and public safety prompted the city’s park department to proceed with dismantling the structure and transferring it to secure storage for up to three years. The Vaillancourt family, supported by the Friends of the Plaza coalition, has challenged the decision through an appeal lodged last week to halt the dismantling process.
The fountain, inactive since 2024 due to pump failure, has been deemed a safety hazard by the city, citing structural instability, corrosion, and lack of reinforcements, making it vulnerable during seismic events. Following an assessment indicating a $29 million restoration cost to comply with current standards, the city opted for dismantling due to safety risks and maintenance challenges. The park department spokesperson, Tamara Barak Aparton, disclosed that the dismantling operation has initiated by removing grout and preparing for crane operations, expected to span several months.
While the project progresses, the plaza is set for a renovation project that will transform the area, owned by the park’s department as part of the civic arts collection. Barak Aparton highlighted the presence of hazardous materials like asbestos and lead within the fountain, necessitating caution during dismantling.
Contrary to the emergency exemption utilized by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department under the California Environmental Quality Act to initiate the dismantling, Susan Brandt-Hawley, legal counsel for the Friends of the Plaza, argued against the removal, questioning the absence of a genuine emergency warranting immediate action without CEQA review. Brandt-Hawley proposed a cost-effective protection plan compared to the current disassembly approach, emphasizing the historical significance and artistic value of the fountain.
In a 2025 CBC interview, Armand Vaillancourt expressed dismay over the decision affecting his legacy, while his son Alexis anticipated the San Francisco Arts Commission’s decision on the sculpture’s future post-storage. Alexis emphasized the historical and artistic value of pieces like his father’s fountain, renowned for its appearance in various media and cultural events, underscoring its uniqueness and relevance in art history.