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The Citgo sign, a beacon of Boston's Kenmore Square and a familiar sight to Red Sox fans and marathon runners alike, is set to be uprooted—and yet, it won't be going far. According to NBC Boston, the sign will soon ascend 30 feet higher and shift 120 feet to the east atop its current residence at 660 Beacon Street. This move is part of a broader redevelopment plan meant to maintain the landmark's presence in an evolving cityscape.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey emphasized the significance of the move for both residents and visitors of Boston, saying, "This repositioning will ensure that the CITGO Sign remains visible in our skyline for generations to come." The governor further acknowledged the collective effort in supporting this endeavor, as obtained by NBC Boston. Meanwhile, Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her gratitude towards the partners responsible for safeguarding such a "beloved treasure," per her statement to CBS News Boston.
The Citgo sign's narrative began in 1965, reaching the brink of demolition in the 1980s until public outcry averted its fate. Contested again in 2017, Citgo and building owners negotiated a deal to keep the sign illuminated into the foreseeable future. The current changes have become necessary as redesigns of the area around Fenway Park threaten to obscure some views of the historic sign, necessitating its elevation to maintain its longstanding visual corridor.
Local residents and marathoners have shared their take on this emblematic shift. "Rome has the Colosseum, New York City has the Statue of Liberty and for better or for worse, Boston has the Citgo sign," Jeff Meade, a Boston local, told CBS News Boston. Long-distance runner Caroline Butler, who has tackled the Boston Marathon five times, sees the sign's rise as a beneficial marker, allowing for its easier identification amidst the ongoing redevelopment in Fenway and Brookline.
