The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) marked the completion of the reconstructed Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024. Seen from Lake Shore Drive to the Riverwalk and neighboring skyline, the fountain sprays across the Chicago River during summer months from its location on the north bank at 400 N. McClurg Court in Chicago.

Supporters for clean water lined the north bank of the Chicago River with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) officials to celebrate the reopening of an iconic landmark where the city’s prized lakefront meets the river and soaring skyline.

After completing extensive renovations, MWRD commissioners were joined by city leaders to reopen the Nicholas J. Melas Centennial Fountain on Aug. 16 to again captivate onlookers to the fountain and its cannon spraying an arc across the main stem of the Chicago River. Watch the ceremony here.

President Kari K. Steele and the MWRD Board of Commissioners welcomed special guests, including 2nd Ward Ald. Brian Hopkins, 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett, Jr., 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly, Chicago Department of Water Management Commissioner Randy Conner, Elizabeth Melas, the daughter of former MWRD Board president for whom the fountain is named, and architect Dirk Lohan, under the fountain at 400 N. McClurg Court for remarks during the reopening ceremony.

Originally built in honor of the MWRD's 100-year anniversary in 1989, the fountain represents a century of progress and commitment to improve the quality of the Chicago River, enhance waterway ecology, and serve as a welcome entrance to Chicago.

 The fountain is named in honor of a long-serving Commissioner and President of the MWRD Board, Nicholas J. Melas. Each hour from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. during the summer months, the fountain sends an 80-foot water arc across the river.