The classic vertical neon sign above the Hollywood Pantages Theatre marquee has been removed. The sign will be renovated, Jeff Young with the Yesco sign company told KPCC/LAist.
The renovation will attempt to mimic the way the sign looked in its original state, Young said. The company is working with the city to match the appearance.
The work Yesco is doing includes replacing the sign's existing neon. In order to ensure consistency, all of the sign's neon is being replaced. They are also using rubbings of the physical letters to match the exact font on the Pantages sign.
"What tends to happen with structures like this over time is, just due to natural forces and degradation of metal and steel, the welds become questionable," Young said.
The renovation will allow the sign to be safely displayed for another 40 to 60 years, according to Young.
The Museum of Neon Art raised concerns that the sign would be replaced by a digital LED sign — Young said that the updated sign will be neon, not LED. The museum had requested that a portion of the sign be donated to the museum for preservation.
The renovated sign should be completed within about a month, according to Young.
The sign will return — but will it be better than ever?
