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Ashland Today
By the People, for the People
Lithia Park's Historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain Begins Restoration
Ashland's iconic fountain will be dismantled and rebuilt with more durable Vermont marble to last another century
Apr. 15, 2026 at 11:06pm
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The vibrant colors and iconic fountain shapes of the Butler-Perozzi Fountain will be celebrated in a new pop art-inspired illustration as the historic landmark undergoes a comprehensive restoration.Ashland TodayLithia Park's historic Butler-Perozzi Fountain, a beloved community gathering place for over a century, is undergoing a major restoration project. The 111-year-old fountain, originally carved in Florence, Italy, from soft Italian marble, has deteriorated to the point where a simple renovation would be a short-term solution. The Ashland Parks Department, with support from the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office, has decided to create a full replica of the fountain using more durable Vermont marble to ensure it can continue to serve the community for the next 100 years and beyond.
Why it matters
The Butler-Perozzi Fountain has been a central feature of Lithia Park since its dedication in 1916, and its preservation is important to maintaining the historic character and community gathering spaces of Ashland. The decision to create a marble replica rather than attempt another renovation reflects a commitment to using community resources wisely and ensuring the fountain's long-term viability.
The details
On April 9, construction crews from Outlier Construction carefully dismantled the five individual pieces of the fountain using a crane. The original Italian marble was found to be unsuitable for Ashland's harsh climate, leading to significant deterioration over the decades. Local sculptors Jack Langford and Kevin Christman will now travel to a Vermont quarry to select marble for carving an exact replica of the original fountain. The overall restoration project will also involve comprehensive repairs to the surrounding concrete stairway and terrace, as well as upgrades to the electrical and plumbing systems.
- On April 9, the Butler-Perozzi Fountain was dismantled by Outlier Construction.
- In late April, sculptors Jack Langford and Kevin Christman will travel to a Vermont quarry to select marble for carving the replica fountain.
- In early May, Outlier Construction will begin removing and rebuilding the entire concrete stairway and terrace area surrounding the fountain.
The players
Outlier Construction
The construction company responsible for dismantling the existing Butler-Perozzi Fountain and overseeing the comprehensive restoration project.
Jack Langford
A local sculptor who will be carving the replica of the Butler-Perozzi Fountain using Vermont marble.
Kevin Christman
A local sculptor who will be assisting Jack Langford in carving the replica of the Butler-Perozzi Fountain.
Dale Shostrom
The overall project manager for the Butler-Perozzi Fountain restoration, with decades of experience as both a builder and a member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Committee.
Mike Gardiner
The president of the Ashland Parks Foundation, who will be assisting with the restoration project.
What’s next
In early May, Outlier Construction will begin removing and rebuilding the entire concrete stairway and terrace area surrounding the fountain. Local sculptors Jack Langford and Kevin Christman will then travel to a Vermont quarry to select marble for carving the replica of the original Butler-Perozzi Fountain.
The takeaway
The restoration of the Butler-Perozzi Fountain in Lithia Park represents a thoughtful and proactive approach to preserving a beloved community landmark. By investing in a durable marble replica rather than another short-term renovation, the city of Ashland is ensuring this historic fountain can continue to serve as a gathering place for generations to come.
