Was there ever a sign more fitting for a vibrant neighborhood than the Historic Hillcrest Sign? This iconic landmark isn’t just a sign. It’s a symbol of Hillcrest’s unique spirit. It embodies the energy and community that make this area so special. The Historic Hillcrest Sign, first erected in 1940, wasn’t a government project. It was a gift. A group of forward-thinking female shopkeepers envisioned a beacon to draw people to their businesses and foster a sense of place. They imagined a sign that would represent Hillcrest’s identity. They gifted this vision to the community. The original sign was 25 feet of red metal with vibrant pink neon letters. Imagine it strung between tall wooden posts, a striking contrast to the surrounding architecture. These wooden supports didn’t last long. They were soon replaced with metal poles after complaints that they made the street look like a “big tree district”. The Historic Hillcrest Sign has seen its share of transformations over the years. In 1984, it underwent a significant reconstruction, essentially being rebuilt from the ground up. The new sign boasted 240 feet of pink neon tubing, illuminating the heart of Hillcrest. Just a decade later, artist Christopher Lee added artistic finials to the sign’s supporting poles. Glass balls and gleaming aluminum cones now crowned the structure, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance. The Historic Hillcrest Sign wasn’t immune to the passage of time. It was repainted in 2003, and again in 2009. In 2011, the sign was once again replaced, this time with modern LED technology, allowing it to display a spectrum of colors for different occasions. The original neon sign, however, wasn’t forgotten. It found a new home at Obelisk, a shop on University Avenue, where it continues to glow. The Historic Hillcrest Sign stands as a testament to community spirit and the power of collaboration. It reminds us that landmarks aren’t just structures. They are embodiments of shared memories, aspirations, and the enduring identity of a place.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to