On Friday, the iconic Santa Monica sign came down as part of efforts to restore it to its former glory. The California Post was on the scene to witness the disassembly.
This 20-foot blue neon arch has marked the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier since 1941 and is set to be transported to Las Vegas while the city undertakes a significant bridge renovation project costing several million dollars.
The vintage structure might be out of public view for almost a year due to the replacement of the bridge, which has stood for 87 years. Restoration efforts will be handled by YESCO, a notable American manufacturer famous for working on the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, before it is reinstalled atop the rejuvenated bridge.
“The sign is not being removed permanently or replaced,” the City of Santa Monica stated. “It is being refurbished, and its historic character will remain intact,” ensuring its return in mid-to-late 2027.
Mayor Caroline Torosis emphasized its significance, noting, “Few sights are as instantly recognizable as the Santa Monica Pier sign, and generations of residents and visitors have memories tied to it at the entrance to the Pier.”
This careful restoration is intended to preserve the sign’s history while allowing it to continue welcoming visitors for years to come. Meanwhile, a temporary half-scale replica will be displayed to maintain that quintessential Santa Monica Pier experience.
The entire project is part of a $35.5 million bridge replacement initiative awarded to Shimmick Construction Company. This overhaul, funded by taxpayer dollars, aims to enhance the aging connection between the pier and the city, incorporating modern seismic safety standards, broader sidewalks, and redesigned walkways.
Anticipations are for the new bridge to last around 70 years. The actual dismantling of the sign was a meticulous multi-day procedure rather than a one-day event as portrayed by photos. Workers used a crane along with temporary supports to carefully take it apart in segments. Activities began on Tuesday to prepare and remove the neon tubes.
The upper section of the sign was planned for removal on Wednesday, followed by the main part on Thursday. Once disassembled, the sign will be wrapped and loaded for transport, which is expected to kick off on October 26. Once in Las Vegas, the restoration will entail repairing the neon tubing, eliminating rust, repainting the entire sign and its supports, and making necessary structural repairs.
The public had opportunities to view the sign’s removal from designated areas in Palisades Park and at the pier entrance. Removal activities were scheduled from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., from Tuesday to Saturday, with one lane of Ocean Avenue closed during those hours.
The neon arch first appeared on June 17, 1941, thanks to the Santa Monica Pier Business Men’s Association, and was named a historic landmark by California’s Department of Parks and Recreation in 1996.
