(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago City Council has approved a measure for vintage signs to be reserved as part of building redevelopments.
The initiative comes after developers sought to convert the old Grace Furniture store into a mixed-use building in Logan Square. They wanted to re-use the towering Grace Furniture sign with different wording, but city officials told them they couldn't.
Now, city law will allow vintage signs like that to remain in communities, provided they meet certain criteria. Andrew Schneider of Logan Square Preservation was among those behind the push for the new law.
"Everybody has a favorite that they've got in their neighborhood," he said. "You'll see them in murals. You'll see them in graphic illustrations in the neighborhood. In many, many cases, these are iconic expressions, not just of Chicago, not just of business, but of neighborhood and community."
To be considered "vintage," the city says a sign has to be at least 30 years old; be well-maintained; and have its history documented.
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