Iconic Sign In St. Paul Shuts Off

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- One of the most recognizable features of St. Paul's skyline is down for the count.

The glowing red "1st" sign that sits atop the First National Bank Building flicked off recently because of weather damage, according to reports.

The sign, which is still made up of neon tubes, was partially damaged by wind last week. Because of that, management made the decision to power down the display.

The sign will stay off until crews can replace the neon tubes with LED replacement lights, much like was recently done for a pair of Minneapolis riverfront signs for Pillsbury's Best Flour and North Star Blankets.

Reports in the Star Tribune estimate the cost to replace the "1st" sign in St. Paul at about $500,000, and may be finished by this summer.