Historic Kenan Fountain flowing again in downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A historic piece of downtown Wilmington is flowing again.

The Kenan Fountain at Fifth Avenue and Market Street is back in operation after being out of service since 2023, according to the City of Wilmington.

The fountain was gifted to the City in 1921 and was crafted from historic carved limestone. It has remained part of Wilmington’s landscape for more than a century.

The restoration included repairs to damaged limestone pieces, fiberglass and gel coating work on the fountain’s bowls, plumbing repairs, as well as tuckpointing and grout repairs.

City officials said people may still see some barricades around the fountain as crews finish a few remaining details.

Despite those finishing touches, the fountain is once again operational.

The Kenan Fountain’s return restores a historic landmark to one of downtown Wilmington’s prominent intersections.