The Frozen Fountain Joins New York's Stylish Ranks

An annual winter highlight, the Josephine Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain freezes about once a year. When the temperatures drop below 30 degrees, the water spilling over the edge of the fountain begins to crystallize. The icicles pile on until we have frozen cascades of ice clinging to the edges of the pink granite.

Click to enlarge (Source)

Many worry when they see this annual occurrence. However, our fountain has been specially outfitted with heaters to allow for this stunning sight. We are able to leave the fountain on year-round because the pipes and water are heated. It keeps things just warm enough inside to prevent damage to the pipes, but allows the beautiful ice crystals to form on the outside.

Last week, one of our favorite photographers Bill Cunningham took note in his weekly collection of style photos for the New York Times, On the Street.