This is an impressive structure located along the North side of the Main Branch Chicago River at McClurg Court.  There is a water canon.   During warm weather water is shot across the River in an eighty foot arc.  This occurs every hour for ten minutes.  The water fountain has an impressive stepped granite pavilion representative of the eastern continental divide.

     The fountain marks the Centennial of the Metropolitan Sanitary District.  The structure was built by Blinderman Construction at a cost of $3.65 million.

Fountain Plaque

Fountain

Same as above

Stepped Granite Wall Representing Eastern Continental Divide

     The fountain was named after Nicholas J. Melas.  He had a long history as a commissioner and President of the Metropolitan Sanitary District.