Across the country, YESCO has become a trusted leader in revitalizing marquees and signage that only defines a theatre’s architecture, but also serves as cherished community landmarks. By blending preservation principles with modern technology, YESCO ensures these character-defining features continue to shine for generations to come.

Preservation Meets Modernization

The guiding principle of any historic theatre retrofit is simple: preserve rather than replace. Historic marquees are irreplaceable artifacts, and their value lies in both their design and their story. YESCO approaches every project with a focus on maintaining as much of the original material as possible, carefully repairing letters, tubing, and housings to extend the life of each sign.

Modern upgrades, such as energy-efficient LEDs and updated wiring, are introduced discreetly, ensuring signs operate reliably without compromising their vintage aesthetic. The result is a careful balance—marquees that look true to their original form while functioning at today’s standards for safety, visibility, and efficiency.

Case Studies in Craftsmanship

Granada Theatre – The Dalles, Oregon

Originally built in 1929, the Granada Theatre’s marquee had weathered nearly a century of use. YESCO engineered a major retrofit by removing outdated reader boards and installing two single-faced, full-color electronic message centers. The new displays, while powered by cutting-edge LED technology, were carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the theatre’s art deco charm. Today, the Granada marquee engages the community with vibrant visuals while honoring its historic roots.

Park Theater – Walden, Colorado

The Park Theater, opened in 1946, had long been a centerpiece of Main Street. After years of neglect, its marquee was in dire need of repair. YESCO restored the sign’s structure, replaced transformers and wiring, re-skinned damaged surfaces, and refreshed the color palette. By using historically inspired typography and period-appropriate finishes, YESCO returned the marquee to its former glory while ensuring it would serve the community for decades to come.

Del Mar Theatre – Los Angeles, California

Working with the Perrotin Art Gallery, YESCO revitalized the Del Mar Theatre’s striped marquee, originally debuted in 1939. All-new neon tubing was fabricated to match the building’s bold, billboard-inspired design, while LEDs were added discreetly to highlight programming for the gallery. The restored sign reflects both the vibrancy of Los Angeles culture and the timeless appeal of classic theatre signage.

Panida Theater – Sandpoint, Idaho

YESCO completed a meticulous retrofit of the Panida Theater’s marquee and building signs, replacing outdated electrical components with LEDs, repairing protective Lexan covers, and fabricating nearly 90 new neon units in the theatre’s original rose and turquoise colors. By respecting historic hues and materials, YESCO ensured the Panida sign remained authentic to its past while gaining durability and efficiency.

Uptown Theatre – Napa, California

Few theatre signs stand as tall—or shine as brightly—as the Uptown’s vertical marquee. YESCO technicians performed essential maintenance by replacing transformers and repairing neon tubing, ensuring the historic sign continues to glow over downtown Napa. While LED lighting has become standard in most retrofits, YESCO’s careful preservation of neon at Uptown underscores the enduring beauty and character that only traditional glass tubing can provide.

Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre – Moscow, Idaho

At the Kenworthy, YESCO designed and fabricated LED-illuminated reader boards that replicated the look of the originals while offering modern energy efficiency. Neon and bulb borders preserved the traditional appearance of the marquee, proving that technology and authenticity can coexist harmoniously.

Vernal Theatre Live – Vernal, Utah

In the heart of small-town Utah, the Vernal Theatre Live has become a hub for community arts and culture. YESCO’s work focused on repainting the marquee, rewiring the electrical systems, and replacing all the neon. The project preserved the theatre’s nostalgic glow while ensuring it could continue serving as a vibrant gathering place for generations to come.

El Capitan Theatre – Los Angeles, California

Known as Disney’s Home on Hollywood Boulevard, the El Capitan Theatre has been dazzling audiences since its renovation by The Walt Disney Company in 1991. YESCO has maintained the theatre’s marquee ever since, keeping a stock of lights and neon on hand to address issues immediately. Technicians visit weekly to ensure the iconic sign shines flawlessly, preserving the grandeur of this historic venue, which was declared a Los Angeles Historical Monument in 2014.

Boulder Theatre – Boulder City, Nevada

The historic Boulder Theatre, owned by Desi Arnaz Jr. (son of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz), remains a beloved local landmark. When the theatre changed ownership 25 years ago, YESCO repaired and restored its sign to its original brilliance. Today, YESCO continues to maintain the marquee, ensuring it remains a beacon for the community and a reflection of Boulder City’s rich cultural heritage.

Murray Theatre – Murray, Utah

YESCO fabricated and installed a new illuminated marquee honoring the 1938 landmark’s original art deco charm while introducing modern technology for lasting brilliance. The project included crafting a stainless-steel bullnose cabinet accented with red LED tubing, a rod grid system for classic hanging letters, and a fully illuminated canopy ceiling composed of custom-formed polycarbonate lenses with colored vinyl bands and stainless retainers. Collaborating with Judd Construction and the City of Murray, YESCO helped bring new light to the historic venue’s revival to ensure the Murray Theater once again shines as a centerpiece of Utah’s cultural heritage.

Best Practices in Historic Sign Retrofitting

Through projects like these, YESCO demonstrates the importance of adhering to proven preservation practices:

• Repair before replacing: Extend the life of original materials whenever possible.
• Respect the aesthetic: Maintain original proportions, colors, and finishes.
• Integrate discreetly: Introduce modern technology in ways that do not disrupt historic character.
• Preserve safely: Use proper methods to protect both the structure and the surrounding architecture.
• Engage experts: Historic retrofits require specialized knowledge across fabrication, electrical work, and preservation standards.

The YESCO Difference

For more than a century, YESCO has been entrusted with some of the nation’s most iconic signage projects. From neon tubing to digital displays, every retrofit is guided by a respect for history and a mastery of craft. Historic theatres from California to Colorado, Oregon to Idaho, have relied on YESCO to ensure their marquees remain not just functional, but unforgettable.

Whether it’s restoring the glow of vintage neon or integrating new LED technology, YESCO brings together artistry, engineering, and preservation expertise to keep historic theatre signs shining bright.

Learn more about YESCO’s signage projects and how we preserve historic theatre marquees across the country.