At the corner of Fifth and University Ave., the Hillcrest sign has returned after a three-week hiatus. While being repaired and refit, all the sign’s electrical and lighting components were restored with new color changing technology.

That means that while most of the time the sign will display the familiar traditional neon white, the community will be able to change the colors of the sign letters to celebrate neighborhood events and seasons, with 16 million color hues to choose from. Pre-programmed shows for events and holidays are ready, including rainbow colors for Pride season; red, white and blue for July 4th; and blue, pink, and white for Transgender Day of Remembrance.

First constructed in 1941 and first illuminated in 1984, the three-and-a-half foot tall and 20 feet wide popular neighborhood landmark has had many upgrades over the years including the addition of neon lights, artwork atop the poles, and environmentally friendly LED neon.

The Hillcrest Community Foundation, a 501c3 community organization, spearheaded the capital campaign to raise the money for the past six months and raised over $80,000. Donors, including Foundation for Form, Rich’s Nightclub, Flicks Nightclub, The Crest Cafe, Bread and Cie, Urban Mo’s, Hillcrest Ace Hardware, Carmel partners, Ms. Mary McKensie, Mr. Kyle Seddelke, and Harley Gray, were backed up by a community GoFundMe campaign. No public funds were used.

“This is a wonderful upgrade to a beloved neighborhood landmark that enables our sign to be as vibrant and colorful as our community,” said Benjamin Nicholls, Executive Director of the Hillcrest Business Association.

The project was managed by the Hillcrest Business Association. The Sign was repaired by the YESCO sign company. Permitting and street closure work was provided by Hudson Safe T Light.