FIRST OF ITS KIND, NEON ALTERNATIVE ICONIC SIGN LIGHTS UP OLD SACRAMENTO WATERFRONT FOR

FIRST TIME, RISING 20’ ABOVE RAILROAD MUSEUM

SACRAMENTO, CALIF. (June 23, 2022) – Rising more than 20’ above the California State Railroad Museum rooftop and clearly visible from I-5, a welcoming Old Sacramento Waterfront beacon officially lit up the Capital City skyline for the first time at nightfall on June 22, 2022. Over two years in development, the neon-replica sign was custom-designed by Sacramento-based Pacific Neon Company using an environmentally friendly neon alternative, drawing on 7.7 amps (which is less than a hair dryer or a toaster oven would use). This is the largest LED sign of this size and scope in the region, with the next closest in Southern California.

The project was made possible through the Downtown Sacramento Foundation, a public 501c3 nonprofit that funds services and projects that complement the efforts of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership to build a more inclusive and diverse downtown.

“This vibrant and eye-catching new LED sign celebrates the Old Sacramento Waterfront as the heart of our city,” said Michael Ault, Executive Director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership. “The iconic sign will serve as an inviting landmark to literally and figuratively elevate Sacramento’s profile as the center of innovation, commerce, connectivity, and culture for our region.”

This privately funded project cost approximately $250,000 and was made possible in partnership with many community-driven business and organizations, including (but not limited to): Harvego Family Foundation, Visit Sacramento, SMUD, Union Pacific, Rotary Club of Sacramento Young Professionals, California State Parks Capital District, California State Railroad Museum, Downtown Railyard Ventures, DOCO Merchants Association, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Old Sacramento Waterfront District, Brass Ring Amusements, and the City of Sacramento. Upon completion of the install, the sign was gifted to California State Parks as the future steward of the sign on top of its permanent home on the California Railroad Museum. 

“My father felt that this project was incredibly important to the continued vitality and visibility needed for Old Sacramento to thrive,” said Terry Harvego, whose father Lloyd Harvego, the owner of the Firehouse Restaurant and long-time advocate for Old Sacramento Waterfront was a driving force for the iconic sign. “This is one of the last projects – of many – that he poured himself into for our community. I know he would be so proud to see it come to life.”

Moving forward, the Old Sacramento Waterfront sign will light up each night at sunset and remain lit until sunrise each morning.  While also visible in daytime, the large-scale sign is exceptionally brilliant at night. It is estimated that the sign will be visible to approximately 520,000 individuals each week, all year long.

“This placemaking project is a wonderful example of how our business community, leading organizations, local leadership and public entities such as California State Parks worked together to create something special and meaningful to our city that will increase visitation downtown, drive business and install a sense of community pride,” added Ault.

For information and details about the Old Sacramento Waterfront is available at www.oldsacramento.com. And, for more information about downtown Sacramento, please visit GoDowntownSac.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA TAGS: #DowntownSac, #OldSacramentoWaterfront, #ComeFindIt, #DowntownTogether, #InThisTogether

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About Downtown Sacramento Partnership

Downtown Sacramento Partnership is a nonprofit, property-based improvement district (PBID) that serves as the collective voice for the 197 property owners and more than 5,000 businesses located within the 66-block urban core of Sacramento. Driven by the mission to build value downtown, Downtown Partnership is the principal advocate, champion, and steward for those who work, live, visit, and do business here. For more information, visit DowntownSac.org + GoDowntownSac.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Downtown Sacramento Foundation

The Downtown Sacramento Foundation (DSF) provide services, programs and activities that promote and preserve the health, welfare, education and cultural awareness for a more diverse, equitable and inclusive Downtown Sacramento. DSF is a public 501c3 nonprofit that funds the programs and projects that complement the efforts of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership including but not limited to Calling All Dreamers, Fork-to-Farm Grants, Spirit Wings Art Installation and the rebranding of Old Sacramento Waterfront. Learn more at downtownsac.org/about/dsf.