Comments on: Fifth & Huron

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 02:03:37 +0000

Today, Sunday the 9th, the fountain is still dry. I really would like to know why. I’ll try calling city hall tomorrow.

By: TJ

TJ — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 22:59:17 +0000

Linda, you can count me as another fountain fan (general and this particular).

By: Dave Askins

Dave Askins — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 15:05:25 +0000

Re: [5] "... add some explanatory language ..." Yes. Described here: [link]

By: Ruth Kraut

Ruth Kraut — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:54:43 +0000

Weren’t/aren’t there plans to add some explanatory language there so people will understand what it is and how it works?

By: Linda Diane Feldt

Linda Diane Feldt — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:44:07 +0000

Dry-seitl. Thank you Dave.
I thought that the design had been changed so that it would run even if water was low. And just a few days ago there was water gushing out of the fountain. So that can’t be the problem.
I really love fountains, and mostly like this one. It’s position next to noisy traffic is my primary disappointment. You often can’t hear the water. I know, lots of people have much larger complaints, especially the cost. What can I say.
It also lacks any explanation – a causal visitor can’t know about the integration with the storm water, the rain garden, or even the artist involved and his idea and vision for the plaza. Dreiseitl had a lot to say, including the interactive qualities of his work. I found meting him and talking to him very helpful.
The context for the fountain is totally missing, and even lots of Ann Arborites don’t understand or know about the full design.
And then it just stops working – frequently. Without ever having an explanation. Information and education are lacking.

By: Alan Goldsmith

Alan Goldsmith — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 14:25:44 +0000

You are probably correct but I was going to blame in on the delay in imported German bottle water shipment to refill the storage tank.

By: Dave Askins

Dave Askins — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:05:07 +0000

Two possibilities I can think of. One is that by design the Dreiseitl work is actually supposed to be a Dry-seitl work. The water that’s used is collected from rainfall, and when there’s little rainfall it eventually just all evaporates. Given the total amount of recent rain, that doesn’t seem entirely plausible. The other possibility is that a pump is clogged/busted.

By: Alan Goldsmith

Alan Goldsmith — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:59:02 +0000

Yet another failure with the design and execution of this fiasco? Call the Mayor and see who wants to blame this time.