Pillsbury Sign Restoration Complete, to be Re-installed this Summer

Today, Lawrence Sign announced that it has completed restoration of the historic Pillsbury’s Best Flour sign located in the Saint Anthony Falls Historic District of Minneapolis.

The sign represents one of three 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.

Dominium, the Plymouth, Minn.-based developer that has transformed the A-mill site into artist lofts, will re-light the refurbished sign during this summer. “We are proud to be a leader in preserving such historical local landmarks. Bringing this iconic sign back to life will make the renovation truly complete,” said Patrick Ostrom, development associate with Dominium.

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.

“The Pillsbury’s Best Flour sign is an important historical landmark in Minneapolis and it was a privilege to be trusted to restore and update it with the workmanship, quality and beauty of the original sign,” said Robb Walker, president and CEO of Lawrence Sign and Nordquist Sign.

About Lawrence Sign & Nordquist Sign

For more than 80 years, Lawrence Sign has been assisting prominent companies to grow with new locations coast to coast with their multi-site sign program. Lawrence Sign proactively manages every aspect of their customers’ sign programs including design, regulatory compliance, fabrication and installation and ongoing maintenance.

Lawrence Sign utilizes advanced technologies and expansive facilities to provide direct in-house control of the entire sign fabrication process. The Company excels at serving companies with a multi-site national and international presence.

Nordquist Sign has been fabricating and installing interior and exterior signage, architectural elements and way-finding signage for more than 100 years. Nordquist’s customer base and scope of work includes custom signage and environmental graphics for hospitals, sports facilities, themed entertainment, corporate/financial and mass transit industries. Nordquist Sign also maintains a gaming division with offices in Las Vegas and St. Paul, Minn. to serve casino gaming markets throughout the United States.

In early 2012, Lawrence Sign combined with Nordquist Sign to unite the unique resources and capabilities of the two companies. Together, Lawrence Sign and Nordquist Sign offer their clients more than 175 years of experience in sign manufacturing and installation for all facets of the signage industry.

About Dominium

Founded in 1972, Dominium is a Minneapolis-based owner, developer, and manager of apartment communities nationwide. With more than 21,000 owned and/or managed units at 208 sites in 18 states, Dominium is known for creative solutions to unique and challenging development projects, and management expertise. For more information visit http://www.dominiumapartments.com.