Design and Construction of Mildred and Claude Pepper Fountain
BAYFRONT PARK- 301 Biscayne Boulverdad, Miami, FL, 33131
The Mildred and Claude Pepper Fountain is in the heart of Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida. When the City of Miami decided to revamp Bayfront Park in the 1980s, they entrusted the architect and artist Isamu Noguchi with reimagining the space, including creating this iconic fountain. Regrettably, due to adverse weather and financial constraints, the fountain ceased to operate before 2007. The situation worsened as the underground pool began to flood, posing a potential threat to public safety as it eroded parts of the structure. Joe Carollo, Commissioner of the City of Miami and Chairman of the Bayfront Park Trust concerned about the situation and recognizing the fountain’s significance to the city, engaged DG Aqua to lead the restoration and ensure the proper functionality of the fountain.
Project Owner
Project Head Contractor
General Contractor
Project Architect of Record
Project Progress
June 1, 2024
🌟 Processing Process🌟
DG Aqua Fountains completed the detailed engineering phase of the Bayfront Park Fountain, delivering all final drawings and approvals to the City of Miami — including soil, structural, hydraulic, civil, and electrical designs.
July 1, 2024
🌟 Processing Process🌟
The team began site preparation for construction, completing demolition permits, structural checks, and fencing installation around the area — officially moving the project from design to on-site building.
August 12, 2024
🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
After so many years, it’s amazing to see the Bayfront Park Fountain renovation finally underway. We are thrilled to be a part of this transformation!
The Bayfront Park Trust and our team have been hard at work, preparing the fountain for a complete overhaul from the inside out. Stay tuned for more updates as we breathe new life into this iconic landmark
Stay tuned for more updates!
August 19, 2024
🚧 Site Update! 🚧
We’ve made some big changes recently! 🌟
Our fence is up and we’re ready to start building the newest most interactive fountain of Miami. We’ve added new access points for our construction workers: one on Flagler Street and another on the boardwalk from Bayside. CAUTION: DO NOT ENTER!
Stay tuned for more updates!
August 26, 2024
🚧 Work Update! 🚧
Our team is hard at work demolishing the old fountain. We’ve kicked off the project with a ground scan to uncover hidden utilities and set up temporary water and power supplies. The totems and electrical systems are already coming down. Next, we’ll dive in for a deep clean to make the pipes and tunnel shine brighter than ever!
We apologize for any inconvenience, but remember, this project is all for you! 🙌✨ Please be sure to follow the safety measures posted on-site.
Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes action!
September 2, 2024
🔨 Progress Update! 🔨
We’ve made excellent headway in our project: the old fountain is fully demolished (top and bottom), old lights and railings are removed, and all penetrations have been sealed with foam and hydraulic concrete. Debris cleanup is complete, and we’ve cleared out the abandoned equipment from the underground filtration room while the old control room demolition continues.
For safety, a fence is up around the fountain area.
Phase 1 is complete ✅ ! Next, we’ll start building the new fountain at Bayfront Park. 🌟
Stay tuned for the exciting next steps!
September 9, 2024
⚒️ An exciting transformation in the making!
We are delighted to share that the old fountain area is now cleared and ready for the next big step. Our team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the major renovation of the Bayfront Park fountain. In just a few days, we will begin construction on a striking new design that will enhance your experience at the park. Be on the lookout for the incredible changes ahead – this is one transformation you won’t want to miss! 🚧🪄
September 18, 2024
🚧 Progress Update! 🚧
DG AQUA has partnered with FPL to ensure our project meets all electrical requirements and runs smoothly⚡
On a separate note, we have just received approval from the city for the Remodeling Permit BD2401595001. This means we are ready to begin the piling and shoring processes at the fountain ⛲
September 30, 2024
🚧 Project Update 🚧
Costum-made Equipment has arrived at DG AQUA’s Florida warehouse and has passed all inspections. Civil works commenced on September 23, but were temporarily suspended due to Hurricane Helena.
✅ Key Highlights:
-Shoring materials and duct components were received. -Piling for the Control Room was successfully completed. -Joint sealing work is ongoing, it is expected to be completed in 3 days.
We continue coordination with FPL for the conduit entry, with directional drilling scheduled for mid-October.
We will keep you informed about the progress of this important project for our community. Thank you for your support!
October 14, 2024
We sympathize with all those affected by Hurricane Milton. Together, we will rebuild and recover stronger than ever! 💪
🚧 Project Update: We started the week with all the joints cleaned and sealed. Despite the pause due to Hurricane Milton, we resumed work on Thursday with renewed energy! We have demolished the control room, assembled the central pool columns and begun installing the pipe connections, all while prioritizing safety! Our team continues to work tirelessly. Stay tuned for future updates.
October 21, 2024
🚧 Project Update 🚧
Hello, everyone. As of October 14, we’ve begun civil works, with foam blocks arriving to fill the central cone, and the old control room has been demolished. By October 15, we received stainless steel pipes and filters to support the next phase. Ground preparation for the new control room is well underway, though there’s a slight delay with directional drilling due to storm restoration. In the meantime, our grade beam assembly is in place, and we’re actively casting beams and sealing up the central cone. More updates to come as the project progresses.
October 28, 2024
🚧 Project Update 🚧
This week, the DG Aqua project made solid progress despite a few delays! 🚧 Work continued in the central cone with pipe installation and prep for the new slab, while the control room took shape with formwork and joists installed to support electrical and hydraulic systems ⚡. FPL’s directional drilling equipment arrived and drilling was completed by Saturday! 🛠️
November 4, 2024
🚧 Project Update 🚧
This week, the DG Aqua project made awesome progress! 🚧 The team was busy assembling the internal volcano plate, casting strong concrete slabs, and starting to build the control room walls and tie structure between the box duct and the fountain. By Friday, formwork came down and CMU walls were going up in the control room. 🏗️ Inspections went smoothly, with plumbing and rebar approvals, and electrical engineers finalized the pipe routes for wiring. Excavation for the box duct was completed, and work on the control room walls kept moving ahead. Things are shaping up nicely, with both the structure and inspections on track!
November 11, 2024
Our new fountain project is moving full speed ahead, and we can't wait to share the exciting progress with you!
👷♂️ So far, we’ve completed the casting of the central cone, started building the control room walls, and poured the upper channel of the pool. But that’s not all! We’re also installing effects rings on the volcano assembling reinforcement meshes in the pool, and setting up foam molds for speakers. Keep following us for more updates as things are coming together FAST! 🚀
November 18, 2024
Major progress on our fountain project! We’re diving into some exciting developments across multiple areas
🔨 Civil Works: The control room is taking shape with the floor slab and stairs cast, plus walls going up and openings for doors and windows being made. The pool bottom is now fully reinforced with a 3″ topping. We’re also assembling beams for the box duct and reinforcing the perimeter wall. 💧 Hydraulic Work: The effect rings (S4, S5, S6) are being installed, and pumps for the central cone are being lifted into position—things are really starting to come together! 💡 Electrical Work: Audio, video, and lighting equipment are being organized, and we’re making sure everything passes rigorous quality inspections. This project is moving fast, and each step gets us closer to unveiling this stunning new fountain! Stay tuned for more updates!
November 25, 2024
🚧 Weekly Update: Major Progress on Site! 🚧
From November 19-25, significant progress was made across key areas: 🔨 Civil Works: Completed control room ceiling casting, installed ducts, removed formwork from the filtration room, laid transformer foundation, and continued wall/rebar work. 💧 Hydraulic Installations: Installed effect rings , set up exterior fountain pumps, and welded key water system components. ⚡ Electrical Work: Tested lighting protocols, installed outdoor pool luminaires, and finalized planning for control room electrical tray and distribution board. 🔧 Logistics & Equipment: Managed heavy equipment delivery, including pressure tank and pumps, prepping for the next phase. Key Takeaway: Momentum is building, infrastructure is coming together, and the project is progressing smoothly! 💪✨
December 2, 2024
Big strides were made this week on the Mildred and Claude Pepper Fountain project!
The control room is nearly done, with the perimeter wall and stairs completed, and the pool filtration system is on track with pipes and filters in place. Meanwhile, electrical work is moving forward, setting up the “brains” that will control the fountain’s lights and sounds. Audio and video integration has also begun, promising an amazing light-and-sound show! With everything on schedule, we’re excited to see this stunning fountain come to life by December 2024!
December 9, 2024
CIVIL WORKS FINISHED
The construction work included several key stages across different areas. For the Precast Culvert Box, after completing the installation of electrical and hydraulic systems, covers were carefully secured on the duct sections with polyurethane foam between joints to prevent water infiltration. Additional waterproofing measures were applied near the control room, and an iron mesh was placed before pouring a 12-inch concrete slab to seal the box duct for long-term durability. In the Control Room, the concrete slab for the roof was cast with two pipes for rainwater evacuation, and a parapet was built to ensure proper drainage. A 4-inch floodproofing topping was also added to the filter room’s underground walls, following city regulations, and the shoring was removed once the control room structure was completed. Lastly, for the External Pool, a wire mesh was placed on the existing lower slab of the fountain to serve as the structural framework for a new 3-inch concrete topping, reinforced with small fibers to prevent cracking and provide additional strength, with all equipment anchored securely to the slab
December 16, 2024
HYDRAULIC WORKS FINISHES!
The construction process covered multiple systems, including internal and external pool works. For the Interior Pool, a pump was installed at the bottom to drain accumulated water from the basement and corridor, and pipes were plugged to prevent further water ingress. Leaks in the pool’s infrastructure were sealed, and waterproofing was applied to the top of the pool as reinforcement. Hydraulic effects (S1 to S6), including nozzles, check valves, and solenoid valves, were installed, and supports for the “S” effects were secured. For the Exterior Pool, flange couplings for motors, valves, and nozzles were installed, and the air effect (S4) pipeline was welded and laid according to architectural specifications. Pump downpipes were welded, with the necessary flanges added for assembling pumps, either for the exterior pool or the general water system. Drainage System Works involved draining accumulated water from the basement and corridor, welding pipes for the air effect drainage to connect to the pump room and duct, and installing flanged couplings in the duct box for transitions between drainage and other effect systems. Hydraulic sleeves were also installed in the main slab to allow for water flow and pipe passage. Filtration System Works included the installation of filtration pipes leading to the pump room, where equipment such as filters, pumps, UV systems, dosing pumps, and dosing tanks were brought in and integrated. Lastly, for the Air Pressure System Works, filtration pipes were installed to the pump room, while the pressure tank and compressor were brought to the control room, where pressure systems were set up to complete the air pressure configuration
December 23, 2024
ELECTRICAL WORKS FINISHES!
The Installation of Electrical Equipment for the fountain focused on low-voltage distribution and management systems, ensuring the entire pool’s electrical system was properly connected, organized, and functional. This work covered various tasks, including laying cables, installing trays, and connecting auxiliary systems such as lighting, outlets, and audio/video systems, to ensure optimal and safe operation. Electrical lights were installed in both the interior and exterior pools, while control cabinets and a switchgear panel were set up in the control room. Additionally, an electrical distribution panel and a 70KVA interior transformer for auxiliary services were installed. Interior lighting, conduits, and cables were added in the control and filtration rooms, with cable routing completed to the pumps and pool control system. Emergency lighting panels and exterior lighting for the control room were installed. Finally, the air conditioning system was partially installed, and cable trays were placed in the control room, filtration room, and precast duct.
December 27, 2024
This year’s New Year’s celebration promises to be historic!
Last night, history was made as the fountain was illuminated for the first time in 16 years
December 28, 2024
Operating at 70% now
The best is yet to come
December 29, 2024
Fountain in Action ⛲️
The Mildred and Claude Pepper Fountain is ready💥💥💥
