A Big Big BIG Day!

The circa-1940 neon sign of the 1900s theater.

 

The sign was taken down about ten years ago and has been in storage since.

No one recalls the sign ever having its neon tubing intact and lighted.

We have worked hard to raise the funds to restore the sign to its full glory, as a dramatic and highly visible way of showing the community that the long-closed and ravaged structure is coming back to life.

Initially, we had hoped that the sign could be restored but after consulting with Coffelt Signs it became apparent that a meticulous recreation would prove the wiser choice. The original sign is metal, is damaged, and prone to rust. A new sign would be made of aluminum, would last longer and, significantly, require less maintenance.

 

The original sign proved invaluable in ascertaining the original color scheme! The letters will be red neon upon a white background. The vertical yellow line will be neon, and this is a departure from the original sign, which had a yellow painted line.

 

Today, the signed contract to recreate the neon sign was delivered to Coffelt!!!!!!!!

The sign is estimated to be completed in 6-8 weeks. A seperate project will be getting a mounting pole installed and wired.

Once both project are completed, we will announce a grand lighting ceremony! With a 10, 9, 8…countdown! I am living for this night!

The original sign will be installed inside the “ballroom” on the ground level. This is a very large space which was under the original auditorium. Once the interior of the building is reconstructed (it is currently a ruin) the current discussion will be to recreate the lost auditorium and the lost ballroom under. The ballroom could be used as a foyer, gathering space, and events space. High up on the east wall we could hang the original sign, creating a dramatic focal point!

It is a thrill to move forward with this project, and the Strong City Preservation Alliance thanks everybody who contributed to our fund-raising campaigns, and donated time and effort.

 

 

3 Comments

  1. Rachel Creager Ireland on June 20, 2018 at 9:13 am

    So exciting!

  2. Derek Walvoord on June 20, 2018 at 9:57 am

    Congratulations on this! A lot of hard work to get there. That will be quite a beacon!

  3. Paula Haas on June 20, 2018 at 11:32 am

    So delighted — and looking forward to the lighting event! Love the new sign. Thanks to everyone involved for all your hard work to bring this lovely building back from the brink.

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