Building With Boston's Iconic Citgo Sign To Be Sold
BOSTON (CBS) - The building holding the famed Citgo sign in Kenmore Square is for sale.
Since 1965, the current style of the Citgo sign has broken through the Boston skyline. The buyer will decide if the sign stays or goes.
The Citgo sign no longer just stands for gas.
"It's one of the signature pieces in Boston" said Christine Kratz.
"You go to Boston. It is Boston," said Paul Kurtz.
"'Oh there's the Citgo sign' as a point of reference," said Ryan Wilson.
For marathoners, it's nearing the Boston Marathon finish; For baseball fans, it's a home run from Fenway; For others, it's home.
"I think it should stay. It's like an end to campus," said one Boston University student.
Boston University currently owns 660 Beacon. They lease the rooftop to a sign company that leases it to Citgo. BU thinks the sign will be a draw for buyers.
"It does - given the iconic nature of it the brand recognition we think it is really valued and developers will find it interesting and unique about the property," said Gary Nicksa, Senior VP of Operations at Boston University.
While many call the Citgo sign a landmark, officially it's not. In the early 1980's, there was a failed attempt at landmark status to save the sign from removal. Public outcry led Citgo to keep it.
Nicksa is optimistic about the sign staying.
"I think it makes sense to get a little taller, Boston's skyline has risen," said Nicksa.
The building is part of a block of buildings that BU is selling. The buildings have always been commercial and the university is getting out of the commercial real estate business in Kenmore Square. The university will reinvest the money from the sale into teaching and research.
