Wonderbread Sign Back at Home on Jackson

By scott
(3 votes) (report abuse)

This afternoon construction crews hoisted the old Wonder Bread sign up onto the top of the new apartment building at 18th & Jackson. It's back on the site where it sat for 54 years on top of a 1916-era bakery.

The developers of the new project spent about $75,000 refinishing the original sign and upgrading the building's structure to support its 6,000lb weight. Each 5x8 foot letter was sanded down, rewired, and repainted before being put back on the original steel frame.

The apartments are scheduled to open this September, and will get kicked off with a public open house and a lighting ceremony for the Wonder Bread sign.

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location: Central DistrictSeattle, Washington
posted on Thu, Jul 16, 2009 02:49 PM
last updated on Thu, Jul 16, 2009 03:56 PM
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I've got bya tear in my eye6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
So sentimental - I love it! Thank you, Developer!
So Simple yet so effective byJoshMahar6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
$75,000 on a what, couple hundred million dollar project? That's probably pennies to the developer and yet it helps this new apartment stand out, gives it a preemptive connection to the community, and reminds us of the history that once was. I think this is wonderful and I hope more developers take note!
6000lbs byFurious Coder6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Three Tons. That's not so heavy. That's like 2 SUVs.

It will be good to see it in the neighborhood again. I can't wait until it's all lit up.
RE: 6000lbs byB6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
That's more like ONE suv (or is it a F.U.V?)
Fond memories of Wonder Bread signs byRollinRainier6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
I used to live in Columbus, OH and the bread factory was right by my house. The "re" were always burnt out, spelling out a huge "Wonder Bad" over the skyline. I have very fond memories of that sign and welcome a new, fancy one in my new, fancy city.
Beautiful byKatie6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Such a great sign! I love seeing it towering over the city again. I think it is also important to note that Western Neon, a local sign company, were the ones that restored this sign to its former glory. They did a great job. I can't wait to see it lit!
how nice! byabc1026 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
It nice to see the retro sign being preserved. Can't wait to see it!
Tully's T byJoAnne6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Didn't Western Neon also design and build the Tully's "T" that is on the old Rainier brewery? I miss the Rainier "R," but that "T" is nice too.
RE: Tully's T byblingan6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse)
I think I saw the Rainier "R" on the Sodo light rail building for "R"AIL.....
Wonderful! byJanice6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
What a beautiful sign! So great that they restored it. And JoAnne, yes, Western Neon did the Tully's "T" which is destined to be another great Seattle landmark.

I remember walking by the Wonder Bread bakery every day as a child. It always smelled so good, and there was a window where you could see the baked goods going by. I wanted to cry when they shut that place down and destroyed it. At least some part of it was salvaged and restored.
kinda tacky byB6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Is this really such a big deal? 50 years isn't much.

Do people really want to live in a building with an industrial bread sign?
origin of saving the Wonder Bread Sign byfalcon6 months ago (0 votes) (report abuse) (reply)
Follow the link below for the origin of community action to save this.
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/227277_wonder06.html
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