Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion
The Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion is a large gazebo and picnic shelter of mid-century modern architecture, built in 1965, it is the most prominent landmark in Cherokee Park. Most locals affectionately refer to the structure as the Witch’s Hat.
The Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion was designed by E.J. Schickli, Jr., who felt that a conical “wigwam” or “teepee” shaped design was appropriate as it reflected Cherokee Park’s Native American-derived name.
In 1974, the pavilion survived a category F4 tornado with minor damage although Cherokee Park was heavily affected, losing over 2,000 mature trees to the twister.
After 1994, the Parks Department and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy announced plans for removal of the Hogan’s Fountain Pavilion when its natural life span ends, as part of a Master Plan to recapture the original 1892 design that Frederick Law Olmsted envisioned for Cherokee Park.
In 2010, in response to public hearings, a group of Pavilion-restoration supporters organized a successful grassroots fund-raising effort to save the structure from demolition.
To preserve the Pavilion after its restoration, the group got the Historic Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission to designate it as an official individual Local Landmark in 2012.
Today, this celebrated structure captures the attention of architects, historians, preservationists and educators.
DEMOLISHED BY THE CITY, JULY, 26, 2023