Chicago is an instantly recognizable place. The skyline of Chicago and its buildings are well-known. Outdoor signage helps to make these buildings memorable and unique.
Here are six of Chicago’s most prominent custom outdoor signs. They help to make Chicago the iconic city it is today. This shows that the right signage can help businesses stand the test of times.
Wrigley Field
Wrigley Field, Chicago’s second-oldest ballpark, is a beloved part of Chicago culture.
Wrigley Field’s custom outdoor sign for Clark and Addison is a landmark that has been in place since over 80 years. It has seen many iterations, including dark blue, before becoming the famous red.
It was installed in 1934 by the Federated Sign Company of Chicago. The initial purpose of the marquee was advertising. To promote the day’s event, the marquee was used to sell tickets on the day. Initially, the marquee was fern green with similar cascading styling that can still be seen today.
Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel is a landmark of high society during the 1920s. It was known for its luxury, opulence and opened its doors on New Years Eve 1920. The Drake Hotel is now part of Historic Hotels of America. This program includes over 260 hotels across the country that are recognized for their preservation and maintenance of historic architecture and ambiance.
The Drake Hotel custom outdoor sign in Chicago is an important and well-known work of art. It features unique gothic script, and was illuminated in 40. This made it instantly identifiable in Chicago’s skyline. The glow of the Drake’s neon lights at night was a characteristic of the Drake, but it has been replaced by new LED bulbs that emit a lavender glow.
Chicago Theatre
Built in French Baroque style, the Chicago There opened its doors to the public in October 1921. It features elegant staircases and ceiling murals. This theatre was the first of its kind in America.
The exterior of the auditorium is also easily identifiable, with a replica the French Arc de Triomphe soaring above the State Street marquee. It is seven stories high and over half a block in width.
The Chicago Theatre’s custom-made outdoor sign, which is almost six stories tall, spells “CHICAGO” vertically. Signs of this caliber are becoming increasingly rare. The sign and marquee are also considered landmarks. The theatre was almost destroyed in 1986. However, the marquee and sign have been restored.
Aragon Ballroom
Built in Uptown in 1926, the Aragon Ballroom cost $2 million. The Aragon was a ballroom that featured chandeliers, mosaic tiles and arches. It also had unique terra-cotta ceilings.
Although the Aragon has been closed as a ballroom since its inception, it still hosts a variety of concerts and is a popular venue for music lovers in the Chicagoland region. The custom-made outdoor sign that it bears is instantly recognisable and an integral part of the neighborhood’s culture.
Congress Plaza Hotel
The Congress Plaza Hotel was originally known as the Auditorium Annex and built to host visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition, also known as the World’s Fair. The name Congress Plaza Hotel was not given to the hotel until 1908. The hotel was not reopened to the public in 1945 after it was purchased by the U.S. Army.
The iconic neon sign for the hotel is high and reads “CONGRESS HOTEL” all caps. Its height makes it easy to see from afar. Some believe the hotel sign emits a strange glow due to its glowing glow. Its storied past has led to rumors about the hotel being haunted.
Marshall Field and Company
Marshall Field, an entrepreneur, was the brain behind Marshall Field’s department store chains. Marshall Field’s was well-known for providing excellent customer service and catering to women’s specific needs. There were lounges, toilets, a nursery and a library. Customers could also check their coats there. Field purchased a streetcar line to make it possible for customers to walk right to his store.
Although Marshall Field’s is no more, it was sold to Macy’s in 2006. However, the State Street Macy’s location still has the iconic clock and signs. A bronze plaque in the honor of Marshall Field and Company is still located at the original State Street entrance sign.
The bottom line
Vital Signs USA can help you realize your potential. We can create custom outdoor signs for you and a brand that will last the test of time, just like these iconic Chicago theatres and companies.
