And so into 1997 — she joined with others in forming the Allegheny Commons Initiative which with the help of foundations and private donors is now $4 million into a $20 million dollar restoration plan. But Mrs. Rooney’s own dream has already been realized — the restoration of this gem – the original fountain at the corner of North and Cedar — the fountain of her youth.
“I feel so joyful. I came up the other day because someone said the water was on. I said ‘what?’ I felt like I was 10 again.”