PORTLAND, Ore. — The Thompson Elk Statue will return next summer, in 2025, after it went through extensive damage back in 2020 during racial justice protests following the murder of George Floyd.
People graffitied the downtown landmark, which was eventually removed after they lit the base on fire.
In May 2022, the Portland City Council voted unanimously to return the Elk Fountain, then the Portland Parks Foundation immediately began working on a study for its rehabilitation.
Now that the design phase is complete, they are looking to hire a main contractor.
The construction of the historic statue is being led by Portland’s Water Bureau who said that the fountain will use a recirculating pump that will save the city $37,000 dollars a year. The statue will also have graffiti-resistant coating in case of future protests.
“There's just been a ton of energy to restore the Elk Fountain (and) bring it back as really a symbol of revitalization, restoration and healing in downtown and Portland in general," said Jessica Green, the executive director of the Portland Parks Foundation.
Portland Parks Foundation said the landmark is not just a sculpture but a vital element of the city's history.
In May 2023, the city council approved a $1.5 million budget to restore the elk back in its original location at the middle of southwest main street in downtown Portland. The money will go towards the stonework and labor costs.
Previously, the Portland Parks Foundation said the statue would return in 2024.
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