The Visitor Center became more welcoming than ever this week with the addition of a new corner neon sign greeting locals and tourists alike to downtown San Luis Obispo.
Following nine months of planning, the historic Paiarola Building at 895 Monterey St., home to the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, was adorned with a neon “Welcome” sign.
The 11-foot tall sign on the corner of Monterey and Morro streets is intended to point people towards information on local destinations, events and businesses. Over 65,000 people visit the Visitor Center each year.
Designed by Pierre Rademaker Design and built by Southpaw Sign Company, the sign is adorned with the city emblem at the top and the international symbol for information – “i” – at the bottom and was created to reflect the nature of the community and to reinforce the city’s image and historical character.
The sign was sponsored by beautification funds provided by the city’s Promotional Coordinating Committee.
“The welcome sign is a timeless message that was designed to communicate to both locals and international travelers that friendly, knowledgeable service and information about the region is available at the Visitor Center,” SLO Chamber President and CEO Ermina Karim said. “The enduring design of the sign will enhance the SLO experience and enrich the beauty of the downtown area for decades to come.”
Sean Beauchamp, CEO of Southpaw Sign Co., turns on the neon sign on Tuesday July 23.
The inaugural lighting of the new welcome sign was celebrated on July 23.