Yesterday our friends at August Schell Brewing Company announced that they had reached an agreement to purchase the iconic Grain Belt Beer sign on Nicollet Island. Better yet, the brewery is in the process of discussing plans for preservation and relighting of the historic sign with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. In connection with the purchase, the brewery is in the process of discussing plans for preservation and relighting of the historic riverside sign with the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Wouldn’t it be cool to see the sign lit up again? From what I gather, it’s been dark since 1996.
“As the stewards to a 154-year old brewery and family business, we understand the importance of preserving heritage. We are honored to have this opportunity to protect and restore such a beloved part of the Minneapolis landscape,” said Schell’s Ted Marti. “Working in concert with the community, our goal is to preserve and relight this important remnant of the city’s industrial and commercial past.”

For more information on the history of the sign, be sure to check out https://historicminneapolissigns.wordpress.com/signs/grain-belt-beer/