This iconic sign on a downtown Fort Worth building has come down. Why?
October 15,2018
Star-Telegram article by Luke Ranker
The iconic blue flame atop the former Lone Star Gas Building in downtown Fort Worth has been removed.
The sign, a staple of the Fort Worth skyline since 1957, came down Thursday morning for restoration. Recent storms have damaged the historic marker to the point where it is structurally unsound, according to the city.
But when will it return?
The city hasn’t established a time frame for returning the enamel-painted sign to its home, but city officials are hopeful restoration will begin soon. That work is expected to cast about $120,000 with Atmos Energy pitching in $60,000.
Formerly the Lone Star Gas Co. headquarters, the building was designed in 1929 by architect Wyatt C. Hedrick and is a historic and cultural landmark. Three additional floors were added to the building in 1957, the same year the blue flame was installed. The Lone Star Gas logo, featuring neon lighting, rotates. It was designed, constructed and installed by Federal Electric Sign Co., now the Federal Heath Sign Co.
The building is now home to city water department and other offices. It features Art Deco styling and a vibrantly colored lobby.
Once the sign is restored and reinstalled, the city council may consider the sign for the Fort Worth Public Art collection. Such a designation would allow the sign to maintained as a cultural icon of the city.
Fort Worth photographer Brian Luenser posted photos of the sign’s removal.
Many people shared memories of the sign and Fort Worth history.
“I am so thankful they are restoring it. It is a huge part of Fort Worth’s history!” Pamela Langbein Cunningham wrote.
Luke Ranker, 817-390-7747; @lrankernews