High Street Fountain Project – Dunwoody, GA

How a Modern Public Fountain Activates a Mixed‑Use District: Inside the High Street Fountain Project

Public gathering spaces continue to evolve as cities and developers look for ways to encourage activity, connection, and year‑round use. At High Street in Dunwoody, Georgia, a large‑scale public water feature plays a central role in activating the plaza and creating a destination that draws people together through light, motion, and sound.



This project highlights how thoughtfully engineered fountain systems can support community life while operating reliably in a high‑traffic, mixed‑use environment.

Understanding the Role of Public Water Features in Mixed‑Use Developments

Modern public fountains are no longer decorative add‑ons. At High Street, the fountain system functions as an integrated plaza feature designed to:

• Support daily pedestrian activity
• Operate safely in a public, walkable environment
• Transition seamlessly from daytime use to nighttime activation
• Serve as a visual anchor for surrounding retail, dining, and residential spaces

The result is a space that remains active well after dark and adapts easily to events and seasonal programming.

Integrated Fountain Elements at High Street

The High Street fountain installation includes multiple coordinated elements that work together as one system:

• A linear waterwall providing continuous motion and sound
• An upper reflecting pool that adds visual depth and architectural presence
• Subsurface mechanical systems concealed below the plaza surface

All components were installed to function within the tight constraints of an active construction site and long‑term public use.

Automated Control and Lighting Systems

A fully automated fountain control system allows operators to manage the feature with precision and flexibility. The system includes:

• Programmable RGBW lighting capable of dynamic color changes
• Adjustable water sequencing for different moods and events
• App‑based controls for real‑time operation and scheduling
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This automation allows the fountain to transform for holidays, local celebrations, concerts, and community gatherings without interrupting daily operations.

Construction and Installation Scope

The fountain system was installed as part of the larger High Street mixed‑use development, with Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC serving as General Contractor. Construction coordination was critical, as the fountain infrastructure was integrated directly into the plaza’s hardscape, utilities, and structural elements.

Installation included:

• Mechanical and electrical infrastructure
• Underground equipment vaults
• Plumbing and circulation systems
• Lighting integration and testing

All systems were commissioned to ensure reliable performance in a high‑traffic public environment.

Activating the Plaza Through Water and Light

More than a visual feature, the High Street fountain serves as a gathering point for everyday moments and special events alike. The combination of moving water, programmable lighting, and architectural integration creates an experience that encourages people to linger, interact, and return.

By day, the fountain adds motion and sound to the plaza. By night, it becomes a dynamic centerpiece that extends activity and energy throughout the district.

A Model for Community‑Focused Public Space

The High Street Fountain Project demonstrates how modern water feature construction can support placemaking in mixed‑use developments. Through careful coordination, robust infrastructure, and adaptable technology, the fountain helps shape a public environment that connects people, place, and activity—day and night.

This project stands as an example of how construction expertise and smart systems can elevate public spaces into true community destinations.