5th Avenue Theater

5th Avenue Theatre Marquee and Sign
Illuminating History Award

Address: 1308 Fifth Avenue
Project Team: The 5th Avenue Theatre, NBBJ Architects, Weaver Architects, CREO Industrial Arts, Unico Properties, Prime Electric

Historic photo of the 5th Avenue Theatre and sign / Photo: The 5th Avenue Theatre

When The 5th Avenue Theatre, one of Seattle magnificent historic theatres, was undergoing renovation in the early 1980s, the building's aged vertical sign and marquee had fallen into disrepair. It had been a fixture on the theatre since the 1930s, but was removed as part of the renovation.

 

 

 

 

 

New 5th Avenue Theatre sign / Photo: The 5th Avenue Theatre

Inspired by the theatre's original sign, which hung at the entrance to the theatre at its 1926 opening, and also by the theatre’s famous Chinese-inspired interior, the new marquee and sign (installed in 2009) was designed by Eric Levine and Yusuke Ito of NBBJ and built by CREO Industrial Arts in Everett. Featuring an aluminum frame that weighs a remarkably light 55,000 lbs. and energy-efficient LED illumination of approximately 2,000 lights, the new sign is state-of-the-art, yet respectful of the theatre's illustrious history.

The project team that built the new marquee and sign was awarded one of 2010’s Illuminating History awards for enhancing downtown’s Fifth Avenue, bringing new life to the street, reaffirming downtown as a great destination, and paying homage to Seattle’s lively past.