In theory, neon's life expectancy is forever. In South Tucson, it's fading.
Neon lights and signs were introduced to Tucson in the 1940s. Streets were highly concentrated with the bright signs, popular for advertising motels and restaurants, along the U.S. 80 and U.S, 89 routes. In the 1960s and 80s, people started looking at the earlier design as out dated. Today, neon signs have just become a frustrating responsibility for some businesses in South Tucson.
Terry Gee, owner of T&T Market, S. Tucson 2048 6th Ave., has not repaired her neon lights for a little over 10 years. The building has been in South Tucson for 75 years, but she has no plans for replacing her LED sign for old style neon lights.
"It's just more of a financial thing. It would be great to have neon, but financially, it's just not worth it for me," Gee said. "It's too hard to do the electricity and maintaining it."
The lights are a little brighter on the East side.
For four years, Arizona Motel owner, J. Amin, has become very dependent on his blue, white, and red sign.
"We have won two years straight the best sign awards in Arizona. This sign is very popular in Europe; lots of people come here to take pictures because it's a historical sign," Amin said.
Most of his customers come from Mexico, usually taking pictures of the sign at their arrival. However, less than half the sign is shining due to his hectic schedule. Amin's business has decreased 60 percent and repair costs range to approximately $1,800 per year.
"This is my identity. If I need to fix it, I have to fix it. This is my home. I don't think this is a business. For me, Arizona Motel is my identity," Amin said.
Neon expert Sam Richardson says Amin's problem could be solved if he refurbishes it. It will bring it to a higher standard.
"It shouldn't cost him that much. What he needs to do is spend $,2000 just one time. It's just like your car. If you need to replace one tire, and put a new one, the car could develop some problems. You should replace them all; same thing with that sign," Richardson said.
Richardson has had experience with neon for 40 years, but is unemployed. His idea of neon is not just a flashing light, but also a form of scientific art.
"It's wonderful, exciting, catalyzing to the eye, economically and environmentally wonderful. It takes a gas, which is put into a vacuum, that lets the gas creates a current, which creates light, amazing item," Richardson said.
The only reason neon costs have slightly increased is because of modern equipment, Richardson says. Glass has virtually become lead free, allowing tubes to stay stain-free.
Old signs possess black marks and that is caused by mercury building up from the lead. Electric transformers are now self-adjusting, avoiding damaging sparks and fires.
"What it takes is a little of science, a little common sense, and a considerable about of craftsmanship," Richardson said.
For two years, Tucson's Historic Preservation Foundation successfully worked with the city of Tucson to pass the Historic Landmark Sign of Ordinance to the Tucson Sign Code. As a result, the foundation's president Demion Clinco said four signs from the 1990s through 2000 will be restored. Hotel Congress was the first sign to receive the sign designation.
"Their an incredibly powerful preservation tool. They have intrinsic power. You turn the lights on; people come. People photograph these signs and people really connect because they are uniquely American," Clinco said. "They shape our streets and create an incredible sense of place."
Scott Reeves, a service technician with Cook and Company Sign Makers, creators of the Miracle Mile and Pima College signs, has been working with neon for 30 years.
"There will always be a place for neon because there is nothing else that can replace it for art or brilliance. It's going to be here for a long time," Reeves said.
He believes LED signs are pricier than neon's initial cost. Reeves has installed signs that have lasted for 20 years and required minimal service repairs, depending on who has worked on them.
"Neon does the same thing as a fire would: mesmerize you. If you look at it, its kind of amazing to see a gas will carry a current that will light it up," Richardson said.
