Council leans toward rotating‑mural plan to preserve Coca‑Cola sign while honoring local history

Mayor Tapia Vega opened a council discussion after a staff report on the deteriorating Coca‑Cola mural sign and recent conservation advice. Economic Development Director Bridget Keating summarized three preservation approaches — full restoration, indoor relocation, or preserving the Pat & Gar “patent guard” band and creating rotating murals — and presented updated cost ranges from $25,000 to nearly $100,000 depending on conservator approach and whether work is done on‑ or off‑site.

Keating said boards and commissions emphasized two goals: protect the sign’s stories tied to Saloon Row and the Lincoln Highway, and find a stewardship approach that ensures long‑term preservation. “All three groups recognized the challenges associated with preserving the sign in its current location over the long term,” Keating told council and summarized recommended next steps and the Urban Renewal Authority’s one‑time $50,000 offer to support implementation.

Councilors asked technical questions about substrate life, on‑site versus off‑site restoration, protective encasement and landmarking. Several members said the site’s role in downtown placemaking mattered as much as the particular brand that last appeared on the panel. Councilor Bullard said he favored preservation that keeps the historical substrate and allows rotating artwork underneath: “I strongly support everything we can do to protect the Pat and Gar Highway element,” he said.

By the end of the discussion council favored a hybrid approach: pursue a rotating‑mural program that explicitly preserves or honors the historically significant Pat & Gar band and develop interpretive signage and educational materials so the sign’s history remains visible. Council also asked staff to return with an implementation work plan, costs and potential amendments to the city’s landmarking ordinance to allow objects to be designated.