Snow covered pavilion. Taken December 2010 |
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The Hogan Fountain Pavilion is a unique modern architectural structure located within Cherokee Park, Louisville, Kentucky built in 1965. This picnic shelter is available for rental for a variety of events. When not rented, the pavilion is available, at no charge, to all park visitors. Due to the welcoming nature of the facility, as well as its proximity to additional features such as nearby restrooms, parking and playground equipment, it is an extremely popular location for a diverse cross-section of the community.
Known as the City of Parks[1] and for its unconventional architecture, it is fitting that Louisville's most popular park is home to the Hogan Fountain Pavilion, the most prominent landmark in Cherokee Park.
Often affectionately referred to by its admiring fans as "weird" or "offbeat", the Pavilion's eccentric appearance fits in very well, in a city that prides itself on "Keeping Louisville Weird".[2]
In 1974, the pavilion survived a Category F4 tornado[3] with minor damage although Cherokee Park was heavily affected, losing over 2000 trees to the twister. After 1994, the Parks Department and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy agreed to, and have set into motion plans for, the eventual demise and removal of the Hogan Fountain Pavilion stating, "...removing the tepee when its natural life span ends."[4] as part of a Master Plan[5] to recapture the original 1892 design that Frederick Law Olmsted envisioned for Cherokee Park.
In the spring of 2010, in response to local public hearings being held in reference to the implementation of the Master Plan,[5] a group of local Pavilion-restoration supporters organized a grassroots effort to save the structure from demolition. As a result of this group's efforts, the Parks Department agreed to delay removal of the pavilion to allow private funds to be raised for its repair.[6]
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The Hogan Fountain Pavilion is located atop Bonnycastle Hill and acts as an architectural centerpiece along the 2.4 mile Scenic Loop in Cherokee Park in Louisville.
Commissioned by the City Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, George F. Kinkead[7] in 1964, the Hogan Fountain Pavilion project was put out for bids. Fifteen offers were made. The highest was for $72,299. The lowest bid exceeded the $40,000 budget city officials had set aside for the project. The successful bid accepted was from C.G. Campbell & Son, Inc., and they were awarded a contract in the amount of $49,915 with a projected "ready for use" time of early May, 1965.[8]
The Hogan Fountain Pavilion was originally designed by Edward Jacob (E.J.) Schickli, Jr., of Tafel–Schickli Architects. Mr. Schickli felt that a conical "wigwam" or "teepee" shaped design was appropriate as it reflected Cherokee Park's Native American-derived name.
Born January 1928, Mr. Schickli graduated from MIT in 1950,[9] and became a registered architect in 1954, President of the West Kentucky Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in 1961,[10] Designed the Hogan Fountain Pavilion in 1964, President of the Kentucky Society of Architects in 1965 {needed citation} Achieving all of these prestigious accomplishments before 37 years of age.
Other prominent civic contributions by Schickli included the design of the original Louisville Zoo and Botanical Gardens in 1969 and Louisville's Standiford Field Airport expansion project in 1970, currently called the Louisville International Airport.[11]
Being an active member of the community and the architecture industry, as late as September 2006, Schickli, then 78, served on the State of Kentucky's Division of Engineering selection committee which oversees architects selected for state funded design projects.[12]
Schickli, now 83, visited his creation in June, 2010, for the first time in 15 years and was disappointed by the mentality of what he saw, that of discard the past and start anew. "That's the problem with most public and semi-public entities," Schickli said, shaking his head as he looked at the pavilion's deteriorating roof. "Money is often appropriated to build them but never to provide maintenance for them. It doesn't matter if it's this or any other structure. It's a mind-set I will never understand." He hopes the pavilion will be around for a while longer. "It has a lot of life left in it …" he said.[11] When recently asked by the Courier-Journal about his teepee project, Schickli said he would like to see his project preserved. "It's a whimsical structure; the type of thing I believe belongs in parks."[13]
Because of the unique shape of the shelter, it garnered a great deal of both media and public attention. "It will be a departure from the usual rectangular-shaped shelters built in parks in the past."[7] So it was that Al Blunk, photographer for the Louisville Times captured an early construction shot of the raising of the oversized laminated wood beams. The Times reported "Beams curve skyward, hinting at the shape of things to come …”[14]
Striking in appearance, the pavilion's atypical octagonal shaped roof stretches skyward, attracting the eye for miles around. Designed to be rustic in appearance, the pavilion was intended to have a wood shake shingle roof. However, heavy construction costs required the substitution of light green asphalt shingles instead.
The floor of the pavilion is constructed of a round concrete pad, originally with a large interior circular fire pit surrounded by wooden picnic tables. Above the fire pit is a substantial sized 13 foot diameter smokestack to provide proper venting. The sides of the building were left open to help facilitate cooling by transferring the warm air upward out through an opening at the top. Exiting the top of the covered roof, copper was clad to the exposed structural beams to cap them from the elements. The addition of copper gutter beds and scuppers highlight this unconventional structure.
The laminated wood beams are anchored in eight considerable sized concrete buttresses sheathed with native stone from the area. Lastly, a rectangular brick façade building was attached to the pavilion that would house the restrooms.
The finished teepee structure measuring in at an impressive 56 feet wide by 56 feet in height welcomes any and all who might wish to enjoy it. It is fitting that "tipi", a variant spelling of "teepee" translates to [from ti to dwell + pi used for].[15] This further illustrates the intentionally ambitious Native American design concept Schickli had in mind for this park setting.
On April 3, 1974 Louisville experienced unprecedented tornadic activity the likes of which have not been seen since, dubbed "The Super Outbreak". According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in an article titled, The Super Outbreak: Outbreak of the Century,[16] the authors reported "massive devastation, 335 dead . . . more than 6000 injured" in the storms. On a local level Tom Wills, Chief Meteorologist for WAVE 3, remembers the tornado, "… we heard reports that Cherokee Park was really devastated. So we sent out this reporter to go and check it out. We hear him back on the two-way radio …" "It's Gone!!" When asked what's gone? The reporter replied "The PARK! IT'S GONE!!!"[17]
Approximately 2200 or (75%) of the park’s mature tree population was decimated by that Category F4 tornado.[18] Amongst it all, the Teepee pavilion stood strong and defiant on the lumber strewn hill seemingly none the worse for the wear save for some missing shingles.
Immediately surrounding the pavilion are the following features and facilities:
Metro Parks has a four-tier rental rate for its shelters and pavilions. Ranking on the first-tier is Cherokee Park with the Hogan Fountain Pavilion being the most popular site within the park, renting for $150 per day. Other tiers within the park system rent respectively for $125, $90 and $35 depending on the size of the shelter and location.[19] The pavilions are available year round from 8am to 10pm and are free on a first come, first served basis unless otherwise posted as rented for exclusive use.
A marvel in design and scale the Hogan Fountain Pavilion remains cool in the midst of a hot Kentucky summer day insuring that the pavilion is a busy venue in the warmer months with rentals earning in excess of $14,000 a year.[20] Church groups, Scouting troops, Non-Profit organizations, Corporations, wedding parties and families are regular rental patrons of this venue.
The Pavilion's 200 seat capacity is a significant factor in its continued popularity. There are eight grills with corresponding extra-large picnic tables affording accommodations for eight individual families under one roof. Additional picnic tables are located adjacent to the pavilion. Parking, restrooms, and a children's playground are all located within easy access.
After the issuance of the 1994 Master Plan for the Hogan Fountain area[21] by Metro Parks and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, upkeep of the pavilion became nearly nonexistent. The lack of maintenance otherwise known as 'demolition by neglect' has taken a heavy toll on the pavilion's roof. There has not been any maintenance concerning the wood shingles since 1989, consequently the roof has degraded to a very poor condition allowing substantial moisture infiltration by the elements. Additionally, the stone surrounding the buttresses has become loosened and is separating from the concrete beneath it. Through an open records request,[22] it was determined that from April, 2007 to August, 2010, the only repairs performed on the pavilion were to two barbecue grills.
The Olmsted Parks Conservancy, not bound by the City's purchasing requirements and guidelines, solicited one bid in August 2009 to repair the pavilion roof. This bid, in the amount of $148,500 was submitted by Merrick-Kemper of Louisville.[23]
A grassroots group of concerned citizens took it upon themselves to seek out additional bids for the work. Integral Structures of Louisville, reviewed the condition of the roof and agreed to donate a substantial portion of the labor and forego any mark-up on materials for a repair cost of $82,000. The group continues to explore options to further reduce the restoration costs and make the pavilion restoration more financially feasible. Consequently, this is when fundraising began and the formalized group known as Save Hogan's Fountain Pavilion was formed.[24]
A controversy arose in May 2010, after a public meeting presented by the Louisville Metro Parks Department and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy announced the Master Plan for the Hogan Fountain area,[5] including the replacement of the Hogan Fountain Pavilion. The Plan provided for a number of changes and improvements throughout the Hogan Fountain area, including the removal of the pavilion and its replacement with two smaller box-like structures.
The position taken by Metro Parks is that over usage of the Hogan Fountain Pavilion and surrounding areas, as stated by John Swintosky, Louisville Metro Parks project director for the Hogan area plan, "…area has been degraded as a consequence of people's 'loving a place to death'"[25] and "… the towering picnic shelter … is now considered the wrong style for the historic park.[26] Margaret Brosko, Metro Parks Communications Manager, says it is cheaper to replace the pavilion than to repair it.[27] Referring to the Olmsted Parks Conservancy's figures for roof repair of approximately $150,000 and Metro Parks figures listed on pg. 33 of the December 2010, Hogan Fountain Area Master Plan,[5] the cost summary for demolition of the teepee shelter and walks with the building of a 25 person shelter at $300,000.[5] This cost does not include the plans for the additional shelter, steps and walkways which are listed at an additional $450,000.
The Olmsted Parks Conservancy's primary stated goal is that of the preservation of an 1892 Olmstedian vision. That vision did not include the Hogan Fountain Pavilion. The Olmsted Parks philosophy of "restore, enhance and preserve" has gradually implemented removal of elements that are inconsistent with the Olmsted design intent …”[28]
Frederick Law Olmsted Sr.'s intent was very clear when he "advised the Board of Park Commissioners to resist public demands for golf courses, tennis courts, ball fields, and other forms of active recreation in the large parks." He preferred instead to provide "suitable means for making the enjoyment of the scenery of each park available to those escaping from the city, in the form of walks, roads, and places to rest."[29] However, to date no plans have been made to remove any of these features from Cherokee Park except the pavilion. Further stated by the authors, it is important to consider "In attempting to protect the Olmsted legacy, advocates must avoid the pitfalls of elitism and arrogance."[29]
Rachel Worley, 2011 President, AIA Central Kentucky Chapter, stated. "As the local American Institute of Architects, we recognize the importance of preserving the character and historic fabric of the structures that help define the beautiful Olmstead parks in Louisville. AIA Central Kentucky Chapter has been an advocate for historic preservation and believes that preserving this structure (the Hogan's Fountain Pavilion) would promote that mission. We believe this structure connects the community and will conserve resources by not continuing the deterioration of this existing structure."[30]
Mimi Zinniel, President and CEO of the Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy, has been very vocal [31] in expressing the Olmsted Parks Conservancy's position of replacing the teepee with two separate smaller box-like shelters as specified in the February 2010 Hogan Fountain Master Plan rendering as well as other major changes to the Hogan Fountain area.[32]
Rachel Kennedy, Executive Director, Preservation Kentucky spoke of the pavilion by saying, "It's scale, massing, materials, and design features are extremely complimentary to the park's setting and in no way detracts from Olmsted's courageous design for Cherokee Park. Just as Olmsted used the natural environment as a key design feature, this piece of modernism responds eloquently to its setting."[30]
In October 2009, prior to the finalization of the Hogan Fountain Area Master Plan in December, 2010,[5] there were two alternate concepts proposed for this location. The first concept included the renovation of the existing pavilion and plans to build a second, smaller shelter to the south side of the Hogan Fountain area. The idea being that the big shelter could be reserved for larger functions, with the smaller one available simultaneously for family picnics or smaller events. The second concept showed the removal of the existing pavilion and its replacement, along with the plans for the additional smaller shelter to the south side of the Hogan Fountain area.[33] Concept #1[34] solved most concerns the Metro Parks had for the Hogan Fountain area, but this option has been eliminated via the 2010 final Master Plan.[5] Renderings of this failed option can be seen on the Louisville Metro Parks website.[34]
In March 2010, Louisville resident Lark Phillips led a number of concerned citizens interested in preserving and restoring the Hogan Fountain Pavilion to form the Save Hogan's Fountain Pavilion group in hopes of saving this unusual architectural structure from demolition.[35]
Meetings between the preservation group and Metro Parks Department Director, Mike Heitz, resulted in the temporary delay of any removal or replacement of the pavilion, if private funds can be raised to repair the iconic structure.[6]
To the defense of the pavilion, Devin Colman, President, Recent Past Preservation Network wrote: "This type of revisionist history (demolishing and replacing) will result in the loss of a legitimately historic structure and the construction of a new building that is supposed to look old. Ultimately, such actions degrade the overall historic integrity of Cherokee Park while ignoring the fact that cultural landscapes change over time."[36] Colman also pointed out that the Parks Department proposition was directly in violation of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation,[37] specifically Standards #3 and #4 which read:
| “ | 3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved. |
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Fundraising to save the pavilion began after receipt of Integral Structures' $82,000 roof repair bid. So it began that the Save Hogan's Fountain Pavilion group and Adam Matthews Foundation, a non-profit (501c3) organization, partnered as a fundraising vehicle to begin the restoration process.[38] The Adam Matthews Foundation has also matched donations in the amount of $1500 towards the preservation efforts.[39]
Hogan Fountain Pavilion supporters participated in the 2010 on-line competition "We Hear You America", sponsored by Reader's Digest Magazine.[40] They 'cheered' daily voting for their hometown's civic projects. In Louisville, repairing the Hogan Fountain Pavilion was the overwhelming favorite of the voters. They were awarded two checks for their efforts; the first $1,000 was for being selected as one of the Best 100 Cities in America, based on participation in the contest. The second $10,000 was for being runner up in a winning city with a population of 500,000 or more residents.[41] This award triggered a $5,000 challenge grant from Louisville Metro Councilwoman, Tina Ward-Pugh, D-9th District.[42]
Local bands and concerts have attracted support and funds alike. The band "Hogan's Fountain" donated 50% of profits (during February and March 2011) for iTunes sales of their song "Shine Your Light on Me - Remix".[43]
Several volunteers of the grassroots group have manned booths at various local festivals spreading the message and raising awareness within the community, in conjunction with collecting donations. One successful fundraising method used by the group has been selling t-shirts.[27] T-shirt sales have been so popular that the 2010 version has sold out with a second design in the works for 2011.
As of March 2011 the Save Hogan's Fountain Pavilion group has raised over $22,000 towards its goal of $82,000 to repair the roof of the pavilion.[44]
As of March 2011, the Louisville Metro Parks Department and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, through various public meetings, newspaper articles and television interviews, have expressed vocal opposition to the restoration and preservation of the Pavilion.
"Whenever possible, and when funds permit, structures should be renovated or replaced in a manner that's consistent with Olmsted's design philosophy. In the case of the Hogan's Fountain teepee, we believe that it is out of character with this Olmsted Park, and the community would be best served with a new shelter." Margaret Brosko said on behalf of Metro Parks and the conservancy, which raises money to support projects in the Olmsted Parks.[45]
Mimi Zinniel, President and CEO of the Louisville Olmsted Parks Conservancy says, "Its design, its structure, its size and its location really invites a lot of concentrated use and that can cause things like erosion, soil compaction and damage to nearby historic trees".[31]
"It's important to preserve significant architecture that makes Louisville unique." said Tammy Madigan, a spokeswoman for the teepee supporters.[42]
Very similar in design to modern architectural master Philip Johnson's Roofless Church in, New Harmony, Indiana,[46] the Hogan Fountain Pavilion is of modern architectural importance within the Louisville community as evidenced by the many letters of support from preservationists, architects, and historians. The Courier-Journal reported that "Over the past year, the effort to protect the pavilion has drawn support from the Kentucky Heritage Council, Preservation Kentucky, Preservation Louisville, Louisville Historical League, the Southern Regional Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation …" among others.[42]
The Hogan Fountain Pavilion recently received a letter from Richard Guy Wilson, Commonwealth Professor, Architectural History, University of Virginia and noted author. Wilson is also a commentator on the History Channel's "America's Castles." In his recommendation to nominate the Hogan Fountain Pavilion as one of "America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places" to the National Trust for Historic Preservation he wrote: "This vision of the American past as a sanitized place in which nothing ever changes is not very smart, especially when you have such an outstanding design as Hogan's Pavilion."[47]
"Here, the community supports saving this structure and it would be an unfortunate irony if it were to be razed." says, Steve Wiser, President, Louisville Historical League.[48] From Marianne Zickuhr, Executive Director with Preservation Louisville, "We recognize that the Hogan's Fountain Teepee is an important part of the Highlands area and plays a role in its cultural history."[49]
Mark Dennen, Executive Director and State Historic Preservation Officer for the Kentucky Heritage Council said, "It is my opinion that the Pavilion is a fine example of modernist architecture and worthy of protection. Not only has the Pavilion become an icon in Cherokee Park, but it has proven to be a focal point for gatherings since it was constructed. The loss of this structure would be a sad loss for Louisville."[50]
As with most architecture, the Hogan Fountain Pavilion in Cherokee Park is many things to many people. Still today, this landmark is capturing the attention of architects, historians, preservationists and educators.
