Old Motel Sign Retrofitted as New Tattoo Studio Sign
Here's another example of what makes our work fun!
Retrofitted Signage
Signworks recently collaborated with Grinn & Barrett Tattoo and Piercing on a one-of-a-kind pylon sign at their new location on historic Leavenworth Street in Omaha. It is a classic demonstration of how you can take something old and make it new again.
Photos courtesy of Jen Beirola
Grinn & Barrett Tattoo & Piercing's owner, Jen Beirola, found this old motel sign from the Circle J Motel in Villisca, Iowa at a local salvage yard.
This is what Jen had to say about the sign:
"I knew I wanted something unique for our new location. I had in mind something related to the old post office building that we were moving into. While searching for the right idea, like post office boxes, I came across this really cool old motel sign at a salvage yard. I knew it was something special, as I sat and looked at it I noticed others taking pictures and commenting on how cool it was - at that point I knew I had found my sign.
One of the concerns I had was if we could get a permit for it. I called Rob at Signworks and after he did his research he assured me that it would be acceptable. From there we transported it to a friend’s garage for storage, had to cut a hole in the wall to get it in...After we did some cleanup work on it, Signworks picked it up and took it to their shop."
The word ‘tattoo’ --having one more letter than ‘motel’-- required the sign to be retroffited by adding a new cabinet with matching specifications.
Signworks helped refurbish the sign by furnishing all new neon, securing permits with the City of Omaha's Planning Department and installing it at the new location on Leavenworth Street.
Custom Neon Signs on Leavenworth Street (Omaha, NE)
Jen added that since the new sign has been up they have had a lot of positive response. Lots of people are talking about the sign, she said. This sign installation and Jen’s forethought have definitely allowed this sign project to blend flawlessly into the preservation of historic harmony found on Leavenworth Street through its neon signs.
Photos courtesy of Jen Beirola
Other store owners and developers throughout Omaha’s business districts seem to be following in this line of thinking. Jen encourages others to consider how good sign design and creativity can help differentiate their business.
Salvaged and Reclaimed Signs as Landmarks
Jen added, "It was a nice experience to take the vision from a salvage yard and actually see the completed project in front of my business."
She thanked Rob at Signworks for helping them make it happen.
This old sign with new life and its old-school charm is sure to become a new landmark and major identifier on Leavenworth Street. Setting yourself apart can all start with your sign—the ‘face’ of your storefront.
Call or email Signworks today at 402-346-5447!
POSTED IN: Neon, Restoration, Services, Exterior
