Historic Courtyard Fountain Protected During Pasadena Central Library Renovation

A nearly century-old courtyard fountain at Pasadena’s Central Library has been enclosed in a protective wooden structure as crews continue work on the building’s seismic retrofit and renovation project, city officials said.

Tim McDonald, the city’s director of Libraries and Information Services, said preserving the library’s historic features remains a priority throughout the extensive renovation, with the fountain in the library’s south courtyard among the architectural elements receiving special protection.

“The fountain is encased in a wooden box to keep it protected. The encasement helps to shield the fountain during construction and allows crews to work in the courtyard while ensuring proper preservation,” said McDonald.

The fountain has served as a focal point of the Central Library’s tripartite courtyard since the building opened in 1927. Positioned beneath the building’s south façade, it has long been one of the library’s defining architectural features.

City officials said the fountain is currently encased in a wooden box to protect it from potential damage during construction while allowing crews to continue work in the courtyard.

The Central Library, designed by noted architect Myron Hunt in the Renaissance Revival style, is considered one of Pasadena’s landmark civic buildings.

Set against the backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, the structure is recognized for its Mediterranean-inspired architecture and has served as a prominent public gathering place for nearly a century.

According to the city, the courtyard fountain is an exact replica of the fountain at El Mirador de Daraxa in the Patio de Daraxa within the Alhambra palace complex in Granada, Spain. The 16th-century original is known for its ornate Mocarabe arches, colorful tilework and inscriptions.

The courtyard fountain underwent restoration as part of the library’s 2002 renovation and was subsequently dedicated to Ann and Douglas Longyear in recognition of their support of the Pasadena Public Library.

City officials said the temporary enclosure is intended to ensure the fountain remains intact until construction is complete. Once the seismic retrofit and renovations are finished, the fountain will again serve as the centerpiece of the library’s courtyard when the Central Library reopens to the public.