SEATTLE — There's something new to catch your eye in Seattle as the Cinerama sign was replaced by SIFF Cinema signage on Thursday.
This is because the terms of the sale of the building outlined that the name could not be transferred to the new owners, the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF).
According to Western Neon, the future of the Cinerama sign itself is unclear. Vulcan, the real estate company founded by Jody Allen and Paul G. Allen, is in possession of the old signage and will determine its future.
A new name for the space has not been announced, but according to SIFF, a temporary name and opening date will be announced in the coming months. According to its website the public "will be involved in selecting a permanent name" and the goal for an opening date will be in "late 2023."
In May this year, SIFF announced they had bought the Seattle Cinerama Theater from the Paul G. Allen Estate. The Seattle City Council and the King County Council both passed legislation to fund the reopening of the theater in August. The sign was removed on Oct. 5.
The original Cinerama sign was designed by Beatrice Haverfield, who designed the iconic pink Elephant Car Wash, Dick's Drive-In Burgers sign and the neon Ivar's sign on the waterfront.
For more updates about the SIFF Cinema, check their website.
For a daily roundup of everything you need to know for across western Washington, sign up for our 5 Things to Know email newsletter.