The Tube Art people tested the new retro design sign for the Husky Deli on the truck before mounting it above the Deli awning on Monday morning.
Husky Deli, the landmark store in the West Seattle Junction, at 4721 California Ave. S.W. put up an old sign on Monday, except that it was brand new. The sign, made by the Tube Art group, is old only in the sense that it echoes the old sign that once adorned the neighborhood favorite.
Jack Miller, the owner, explained that he wanted it to be neon, because that's what it always was. But that took a little planning. He worked with Phil Jones, a West Seattle resident and Tube Art Director of Special Projects, to get the sign designed and built but it took almost a year.
Normally a sign like this, which is about 7 feet tall, would take, "about four to six weeks" explained Jones but Miller had to wait until the awning was replaced and then get the measurements right, the design right and then schedule a time to get it done.
Neon is making a comeback, Jones said, in part because LED signs, which are popular, actually lose their luminance after about 10 years. Neon just keeps on glowing.
Tube Art does big jobs, including both Century Link and Safeco Field and all the area Starbucks, but "Jack is a number one customer."
For his part Miller said he figured it will bring in more business. "People are going to stand in line to see it," he said laughing.