Breaking: Pillsbury Sign Installation to Begin Next Monday
Monday, October 12, 2015 at 9:56AMMill City Times has learned through a trusted source that installation of the refurbished Pillsbury Best Flour sign will begin next Monday, October 19. No word yet on when re-lighting will happen.
Sitting atop the A-Mill complex, newly converted into artist lofts by developer Dominium, the sign represents one of only a few national historic landmarks in Minneapolis; in 2014 Lawrence Sign was selected to rehabilitate the iconic Pillsbury’s Best Flour rooftop sign.
In efforts to preserve and revitalize the significant landmark, restoration of the Pillsbury’s Best Flour rooftop sign was a collaborative effort between Lawrence Sign and the City of Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.
The Pillsbury Company’s 30-foot sign has stood atop the Pillsbury “A” Mill Complex since about 1940, according to city records. It replaced a similar sign that stood since 1920, which featured a large flour bag. The sign remained lit until 2010.
Over the course of 75 years the sign deteriorated. Upon inspection and consultation from the Preservation Commission, Lawrence Sign determined that the letter faces and returns could be rehabilitated instead of replaced. The sign exhibited some degradation and compromise to the structure as a result of rust and weathering, but damage was mitigated with newly fabricated aluminum.
Lawrence also replaced the nonfunctioning neon lighting system with LED lights intended to replicate the original look. Lawrence Sign is an expert at LED lighting applications, utilizing the technology because of energy savings and minimal maintenance requirements.
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