Waterdome
Location: Lakeland, FL
Client: Florida Southern College
Architect: Mesick-Cohen-Wilson-Baker Architects
Originally designed in 1938 by world renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright as part of his masterplan design for the campus of Florida Southern College, a lack of construction techniques and technology kept this dream dormant during his lifetime. But 69 years later, Rodda Construction was brought in to help make this 250,000 gallon fountain come to life. Construction was completed using the design-build method, and the project was overseen by Jeff baker of the well-known historic restoration firm of Mesick-Cohen-Wilson-Baker Architects. First, the concrete walkway planks and small ponds which covered over the original bowl south of the Roux Library were demolished. Then new piping was added under the structure, and the original ring around the outside was restored, and the unique bowl shape was reconstructed. Next, over 75 high powered nozzles were located around the perimeter of the Waterdome. After adding two 75 horsepower pumps and a complete filtration system to the pump house structure and running over 100 yards of 24” piping, the pumping technology was in place. After the surrounding sidewalks and stairs were stabilized and restored, the bowl was filled and anticipation began to build. Then in front of over 300 people on a fall evening in 2007, the vision of Frank Lloyd Wright was finally realized when the amazing Waterdome was turned on for the 1st time. The project has added to the compilation of architecturally significant structures that fill Florida Southern College, and has attracted thousands of visitors to Campus.
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