Paramount Theater

Paramount Theatre Sign
Illuminating History Award

Address: 911 Pine Street
Project Team: Seattle Theatre Group, The Sign Factory

Deteriorated Paramount Theatre sign before replacement / Photo: Seattle Theatre Group

In 2009, the Seattle Theatre Group (STG) replaced the Paramount Theatre's iconic blue and gold vertical sign with a new LED sign that is a replica of the historic sign and 90% more energy efficient. The sign, outlined in neon, had been in place since 1930. The visible sheet metal portions of the sign, including the letters and lighting fixtures, had weathered and decayed beyond repair. Identical in appearance, the replica was engineered with environmentally responsible materials and energy efficient lighting systems, to honor Seattle’s history and future. As a key exterior feature of a City of Seattle Landmark, the Paramount Theatre's replica sign received Landmarks Preservation Board approval before being installed. The Sign Factory, based in Kirkland, created the new sign. STG's "Sign of the Times, Replication, Restoration and Greening" fundraising campaign helped raise the funds needed for its manufacture.

New Paramount Theatre sign / Photo: Jerry and Lois Photography

The project team that replicated the Paramount Theatre sign was awarded one of 2010’s Illuminating History awards for their extraordinary efforts in ensuring that the sign continue to light up a key downtown corridor for decades to come.