For a while now, I've wondered where the one-of-a-kind, wacky Colony Records sign had gone. The record and sheet music store, long at the northeast corner of Broadway and 49th, used to be adorned by a huge neon sign which, in part, depicting a slim, young woman on toe-point, skirt aloft, holding a large album (obviously her heart's desire) in her hot little hand. (See below) She was apparently having some sort of orgasm, having found at Colony her favorite disc in the whole wide world.
The sign disappeared a couple years ago when Colony did a redo on its facade. But when the work was done, there were two very nice new neon signs spelling out "Colony" (see above), but no female. I assumed the sign, too, was being refurbished, but it never returned, so I went in to ask about it.
Turns out, Colony took it down at the behest of an old landlord, who said it was violating some building code or other, one that had long been ignored. Colony did so. Then the building was sold and the new landlord didn't give a hoot if the sign was up or down. So Colony went to a lot of bother for nothing. Now Record Girl sits neglected in the basement. The sign will probably eventually be sold to someone. Hello, Smithsonian?
I love the Colony!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame... and it's on the (historic) Brill Building, or right next door. The old one was so much cooler.
ReplyDeleteIf you this a loss (and it is), you should have seen their old place at 52nd and Broadway. It had wonderful tilework (and one copy of everything released).
ReplyDeleteWOW! what a nostalgia! I had no idea they put the sign back, I remember back in the days the sign was the place my friends and I used to meet, it was literally our gathering sign.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good to see it again!
Does anyone know for certain if the girl who is currently on the side of the building is the same one that used to be on top? In any event, I agree with the writer who prefers the old overall signage; it was elegant (in its funky way) and visually dynamic.
ReplyDeleteJudy