Newton’s sign restoration nears completion

[Erik Sine]

Newton’s sign restoration nears completion

By JOHN MOLSEED, john.molseed@wcfcourier.com | Posted: Tuesday, June 1, 2010 12:00 pm

WATERLOO - The Newton's neon sign is back in place downtown. The sign and the building are undergoing full renovation.

Not all the pieces are in place, building owner Jim Walsh said. The neon lights that adorn the sign won't be installed until tan glass panels are installed on the exterior of the building. The panels are delayed one week, Walsh said.

The three-sided vertical sign is in place and refurbished.

Signs and Designs of Cedar Falls refurbished the sign.

The former jewelry store, 128 E. Fourth St., is being renovated into a restaurant with apartment space on the second floor.

The three-sided sign now says "Newton's Paradise Cafe" instead of "Newton's Jewelry Store" on a green field.

"I thought the colors might look a little crazy, but it all comes together," Walsh said.

The sign rotates, and the neon will be restored once the glass panels on the building exterior are in place.

Walsh received a $50,000 grant for exterior renovations to preserve the historic art deco look of the building.