Famous Rainier ‘R’ to make return atop Seattle brewery building
Sep 18, 2013, 5:19 PM | Updated: 9:30 pm
The original Rainier "R" will remain at the Museum of History and Industry while a replica is being built to soon shine again atop the old brewery. (restoringther.com image)
(restoringther.com image)
One of the icons of old Seattle will once again stand tall, as a famous red Rainier “R” will soon again adorn the old brewery alongside I-5.
The building had been topped by a giant “T” since Tully’s Coffee moved its roasting plant into the building in 2000. The original “R” was sent to the Museum of History and Industry after a 50 year run.
With Tully’s changing owners and moving its headquarters near Pike Place Market, Rainier owner Pabst Brewing saw an opportunity to return the “R” to its rightful place.
“This is something we’ve been working on for months in cooperation with Columbia Distributing and MOHAI as well as Western Neon and the owners of the building, Ariel Development,” said Pabst Chief Marketing Officer Dan McHugh in a statement. The company is paying for the replica sign.
Pabst plans to re-light the sign at a free public party on October 24. “The party will be a chance to celebrate the history of Rainier in Seattle and see the restored, glowing icon back in its rightful place atop the old brewery after a 13 year absence,” said McHugh.
