Longwood Main Fountain Garden Revitalization

After two years and over $90 million worth of construction, the Main Fountain Garden Revitalization, originally built during the 1920’s stands as the largest fountain preservation project of its kind in the United States

“Bancroft Construction has a successful history of working on challenging projects at Longwood. The Main Fountain Garden Revitalization was one of the largest and most complicated projects in our Gardens’ history. We could not have selected a more experienced and capable construction management firm to join us on the revitalization journey.”
Paul B. Redman
President & CEO
Longwood Gardens, Inc.

Project Stats

  • Owner
    Longwood Gardens
  • Location
    Kennett Square, PA
  • Project Type
    CM w/ a GMP
  • Design Professional
    Beyer Blinder Belle
  • Market
    Cultural
  • Square Footage
    5 Acres

Aptly titled “New Heights: The Fountain Revitalization Project,” the Main Fountain Garden features grand allées, hand-carved Italian limestone, undulating boxwood, and more than 1,700 fountain jets and streams that soar as high as 175 feet in the air, lit up by a rainbow of colors via a brand-new lighting system and set to a backdrop of music.

Other fountain highlights include a complete restoration of 4,000 pieces of limestone, new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, and the design of brand-new garden experiences for visitors. New areas include the secluded Grotto, the Pumphouse Plaza, and the Historic Pump Room and Gallery exhibit, which highlights the garden’s original construction.

Drawing heavily upon European influences and utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the two-year, $90 million project was the largest fountain preservation project of its kind taking place in the United States. The Main Fountain Garden is one of the most expansive and magnificent groupings of fountains in a landscaped setting in the United States.

Awards

ABC DE Excellence in Construction
ABC Eastern PA Excellence in Construction
ABC Eastern PA Project of the Year
DCA Construction Excellence

ABC National Pyramid Award – Historical $25M – $100M
ABC Pennsylvania Excellence in Construction Project of the Year
Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia Grand Jury Award
The Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design – Lighting/Outdoor
AGC of America Construction Risk Partners Build America Award

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