What's Happening?
Tom Fruin's renowned colorful water tower sculpture, 'Watertower 3: R.V. Ingersoll,' located atop the administrative building at 334 Furman Street in Brooklyn Bridge Park, has been dismantled and removed. The sculpture, made of Plexiglas and steel, has been a prominent
fixture on the Brooklyn waterfront for 12 years, visible from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Its removal is part of an extensive top-to-bottom renovation of the building it sits upon. The artwork itself will undergo restoration, including inspection, repowder-coating, and cleaning, to repair damage from over a decade of exposure to weather elements. The sculpture is expected to be reinstalled in the fall of 2027, following the building's renovation.
Why It's Important?
The temporary removal of 'Watertower 3: R.V. Ingersoll' signifies a significant, albeit temporary, change to the visual landscape of Brooklyn Bridge Park and the broader Brooklyn waterfront. The sculpture has become an iconic landmark, deeply integrated into the borough's identity and a beloved piece of public art. Its restoration ensures the longevity of a significant cultural asset, preserving an artwork that utilizes sustainable and recycled materials. The renovation of the building it adorns, which will include updated offices and an expanded Education Center, indicates ongoing investment in public infrastructure and community resources within the park. The absence of the sculpture will be noted by residents and tourists alike, highlighting its importance as a visual marker and artistic statement.
What's Next?
New Yorkers will experience a temporary absence of the vibrant water tower sculpture from the Brooklyn skyline. The building at 334 Furman Street will undergo its extensive renovation, and concurrently, Tom Fruin's artwork will be meticulously restored. The community can anticipate the return of 'Watertower 3: R.V. Ingersoll' in the fall of 2027, when it will be reinstalled, refreshed, and ready to continue its role as a beacon of public art. This period will allow for necessary maintenance that ensures the sculpture's structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for many more years, reinforcing its status as a cherished part of Brooklyn's artistic and architectural heritage.
Beyond the Headlines
The restoration of 'Watertower 3: R.V. Ingersoll' underscores the challenges and importance of maintaining public art, especially pieces exposed to the elements. Fruin's 'ICON' series, which uses scavenged and recycled materials, also highlights themes of sustainability and urban renewal, transforming discarded items into celebrated artistic expressions. The sculpture's dual function—illuminating at night with solar-powered lights—demonstrates an integration of art with environmental consciousness. Its temporary removal prompts reflection on how public art shapes urban identity and the collective experience of a city. The anticipation of its return also reinforces the community's connection to and appreciation for such unique cultural contributions.
