Santa Monica Pier historic neon sign to undergo restoration

The historic neon sign at the Santa Monica Pier is scheduled for temporary removal and restoration as part of a $35 million bridge replacement project. The 20-foot blue arch, a California historic landmark since 1996, was originally unveiled in 1941 and features the message ‘Santa Monica Yacht Harbor’.

Restoration work will be handled by YESCO, a sign company based in Salt Lake City. Once refurbished, the sign is expected to be reinstalled in late 2027 at a slightly different location, approximately 10 feet north of its current position, to provide better visibility and clearance. During the construction period, a half-scale replica of the sign has been placed on the pier for visitors.

The overhaul, awarded to Shimmick Construction Company, involves replacing the aging 1939 entrance bridge with a new structure designed to meet modern seismic and safety standards. The new bridge will feature wider sidewalks and redesigned walkways, with an expected service life of 70 to 75 years. The project is being completed ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.