NewUrbanStreets

The fountains are not officially named the “manhole fountains” but that is appropriate as the intent was to depict two manholes where the lids were blown off during a heavy rain event–typical in a few places near here-and water gushing into the street. To add to the setting notice the “cones” -typically bright orange-surrounding the holes to warn cars. The cones are precast concrete and were also used as bollards in other areas on Preston St. See the article at this blog about the value of them as bollards. (more…)

Part of the theme on Preston Street in downtown Houston celebrates the water underground in an urban setting. There is more about that in the article here about the Cotswold Program.

Underground water in the City is usually seen when looking into a hole at a broken pipe or when a manhole lid is off and you can see inside Traffic cones are typically around the hole to warn traffic away. To symbolize those situations precast concrete cones are placed throughout the Preston St. enhancements. But a cone is not a bollard. In a few places the cones were intended to shield planter beds and keep cars in driveways. We hoped the cars would avoid them. But plants grow and street lights burn out and the cute little concrete cones can not be seen by the drivers–even those that care. (more…)