Schell’s To Restore Grain Belt Sign

Original post date - November 2014

It’s been lit up before and then the brewery was sold. Then lit up again and then sold again then lit up once again and then it broke and then fixed and then…you get my point.

August Schell Brewing Company, announced plans Wednesday to buy the historic sign along the Mississippi River on Nicollet Island.

The brewery is “in the process of discussing plans for preservation and relighting” of the sign with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, according to a news release from the company. Closing on the purchase of the land and sign is expected later this year. Officials would not reveal the price. It is currently owned by Eastman Family Trust, according to a spokesman.

The historic sign was constructed in 1941 and originally graced the top of the Marigold Ballroom on Nicollet Ave. It was moved to the river location in 1950.
Schell’s will donate the landmark to the Preservation Alliance and work with that group and others to protect and preserve the sign, the release said.