The new KiMo sign is awesome

Marisa Demarco [ Wed Jun 1 2011 12:57 PM ]

Marisa Demarco

When I rolled up to the Alibi offices a couple doors down from the KiMo, a dude in a cherry-picker was trying to wrangle this thing into place. It’s really lovely. In this week’s feature by Jessica Cassyle Carr (online later today), Mayor Richard Berry talks about embracing and restoring the odd old buildings in Burque to help us avoid turning into a “cookie-cutter city.”

The KiMo is 84-years-old and was part of a trend in the early 20th century to create elaborate movie houses. On Friday, there’s going to be a dedication of the sign that includes a screening of Metropolis with a live score by Alloy Orchestra. Tickets are $25 and available at the KiMo Ticket Office or through Ticketmaster.

Marisa Demarco

Marisa Demarco

Marisa Demarco

Public Comments (4)

- JeanDarque
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- Since 2011-05-27
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Great pictures! [ Wed Jun 1 2011 1:29 PM ]

Can't wait to see it in person.
Yay for architechtural history! [ Wed Jun 1 2011 1:37 PM ]

This is also apparently what the original sign looked like.
I love it when a city invests in its architectural history instead of leveling beautiful old buildings just because they require upkeep.
I've heard stories from ABQ natives of some wonderful buildings that were leveled to be replaced with crapola.
I'm glad Mayor Berry is on board. (remember when Marty was rooting to get rid of our Americana roadside attraction statue of Paul Bunyan near May Cafe!)
- Spencer
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The Story Behind the Making of the Sign [ Thu Jun 2 2011 12:34 PM ]

Restoring the original 1927 KiMo sign adds another compliment to the city's ongoing move to recognize Albuquerque's architectural history. The Alibi article focuses on the 'crown jewel', the restored sign, but interestingly what I found missing (in the Journal article too)is any mention of the actual re-creating of the sign. To me, historic re-creation, in this case particularly the neon work, is fascinating and artistry in itself. Getting it right is everything. I'd have welcomed the article including the historic factors of the sign and who actually made it happen.
- Jessica
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Making of the Sign [ Thu Jun 2 2011 4:35 PM ]

I'm sorry I didn't "get it right" by mentioning that the sign had to go through a process of approval by the Landmarks & Urban Conservation Committee Visit Page, which KiMo mangager Larry Parker says he lovingly likes to call "the history police." Then Zeon Signs made the sign.