FELIKS BANEL

A star is reborn: Iconic Seattle Macy’s star to return in time for holidays

Nov 8, 2019, 8:17 AM
Macy's holiday star, downtown Seattle,...
Macy's holiday star in downtown Seattle. (Tracie Howe, Flickr Creative Commons)

It looks like the iconic downtown Seattle holiday star will be back this year for at least one more time. Sources say a local sign company has been hired to repair and restore the 62-year-old holiday decoration that has graced the old Bon Marche (or, more recently, Macy’s) department store at the corner of 4th Avenue and Pine Street since the 1950s.

Anonymous photos may show pieces of Macy’s holiday star

Workers have been visible on the roof of the building since earlier this week.

When Macy’s announced in September that the store would close in early 2020, it was also revealed that the old star was in disrepair and would not be installed this year. A Macy’s spokesperson said that new owners of the building would display a “reimagined” star next year.

Multiple KIRO Radio listeners had contacted the station when news first broke hoping to learn more about the condition of the star and the feasibility of it being repaired in time for this year’s holiday season. In the past several weeks, Wendy James, daughter of late star designer Bob James, launched a Facebook page and began a campaign to bring the star back.

The man behind downtown Seattle Macy’s endangered holiday star

No details have been confirmed, but it looks like the old star — repaired and refurbished — will be part of the traditional tree-lighting and holiday parade scheduled to take place at Westlake Park on Friday, Nov. 29, the day after Thanksgiving.

This is a developing story, and more details will be shared as they become available.

More from Feliks Banel

Feliks Banel

ad campaign...
Feliks Banel

Before it collapsed, WaMu ad campaign was the ‘Friend of the Family’

All the failing banks in the news lately remind so many around the Pacific Northwest of a memorable WaMu ad campaign.
3 days ago
“Viva! SeaTac,”...
Feliks Banel

Regional anthem “Viva! Sea-Tac” celebrates 1990s Seattle culture, good and bad

Over the past few decades, “Viva! SeaTac” has become something of an anthem for the region, at least among a certain demographic.
5 days ago
Cherry trees...
Feliks Banel

Cherry trees in front of Pike Place Market are gone

The City of Seattle removed the storied cherry trees on Pike Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue Tuesday.
6 days ago
Hawthorne Gray...
Feliks Banel

Gray Field namesake’s ‘oxygen ran out before his courage’

The airfield at Fort Lewis is named for a nearly forgotten high-flying aviator from the Evergreen State, with family history here stretching back to the 1830s.
10 days ago
cherry trees...
Feliks Banel

City pauses Pike Street logging project: Cherry Trees 1, Chainsaws 0

“We are so grateful to Mayor Bruce Harrell for looking carefully at what can be done,” said Save The Market Entrance president Ruth Danner.
12 days ago
cherry trees...
Feliks Banel

Removal of Pike Street cherry trees on pause after community feedback

A linear grove of cherry trees more than four decades old in downtown Seattle is slated to be cut down to make way for bike lanes.
13 days ago

Sponsored Articles

SHIBA volunteer...

Volunteer to help people understand their Medicare options!

If you’re retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you!
safety from crime...

As crime increases, our safety measures must too

It's easy to be accused of fearmongering regarding crime, but Seattle residents might have good reason to be concerned for their safety.
Comcast Ready for Business Fund...
Ilona Lohrey | President and CEO, GSBA

GSBA is closing the disparity gap with Ready for Business Fund

GSBA, Comcast, and other partners are working to address disparities in access to financial resources with the Ready for Business fund.
SHIBA WA...

Medicare open enrollment is here and SHIBA can help!

The SHIBA program – part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner – is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions.
Lake Washington Windows...

Choosing Best Windows for Your Home

Lake Washington Windows and Doors is a local window dealer offering the exclusive Leak Armor installation.
Anacortes Christmas Tree...

Come one, come all! Food, Drink, and Coastal Christmas – Anacortes has it all!

Come celebrate Anacortes’ 11th annual Bier on the Pier! Bier on the Pier takes place on October 7th and 8th and features local ciders, food trucks and live music - not to mention the beautiful views of the Guemes Channel and backdrop of downtown Anacortes.
A star is reborn: Iconic Seattle Macy’s star to return in time for holidays