A Grand Illumination

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Last week, Rocketts Landing residents celebrated the grand illumination of the community’s newest structural addition: a stunning, industrial-inspired fountain.



Located in the courtyard of Cedar Works, the copper-plated fountain made of solid steel boasts a striking display of light and flowing water. Light permeates through the chinks and gaps, and reflects water streaming through the middle.
 


The design was initially tricky, since a traditional fountain wouldn’t work in a courtyard surrounded by renovated 100-year-old industrial buildings.
 


Christopher Hildebrand, who co-owns the local design firm Tektonics, conceived and built the fountain with an abstract design that is related to the community’s historical environment. He chose to focus on Rocketts Landing’s masonry and brick towers as the structural theme, what he describes as “a monolithic smokestack.”
 


The illumination brought out many of the community’s residents, who gathered by the glowing fixture. “Our residents love to have places to gather, and this water fountain provides another place for them to get together and mingle,” said Rocketts Marketing Director Marti Cooke. 
 


A “Make A Wish” box filled with pennies was even passed around so they could be the first to toss wishes into the fountain.
 


Bob Jennings, a Cedar Works resident who moved to Rocketts in May 2008 made a wish that — in keeping with tradition — he wouldn’t share. He did, however, discuss what the fountain means to him and his wife. 


“[For us] the fountain represents a commitment to details, putting a personal touch into the community — and it looks nice. We have a lot of fun [living here], and the fountain represents the coming together of this great community.”
 


Sky Line resident Penny Maggio also sees the fountain as an emblem of the community formed at Rocketts Landing.
 
“The fountain represents how the developer is invested in this community, and to me that’s really important. When he’s involved, it keeps us involved, which is very much appreciated.”
 


The residents’ sentiments reflect Cooke’s vision for the fountain as a meeting place, which will soon be joined with accompanying benches.