The City of Portland has made a tentative agreement to take over the “White Stag” sign in the Old Town district.
The city council said Friday the sign should maintain a “Portland-oriented message.” The tentative deal would change the iconic sign’s message from “Made in Oregon” to “Portland, Oregon.”
City Council could vote on the matter by Sept. 29. If the deal is approved the sign could be changed in time for the holidays, when the sign’s stag typically wears a red nose.
Retired owner of Ramsay Signs, Darryl Paulsen, reportedly agreed to donate the sign based on several provisions. Ramsay Signs will perform maintenance on the sign for ten years. The company’s name will remain on the sign, including a banner celebrating the company’s centennial from Nov. 2011 until Jan. 2012.
The city will have to agree not to sell ad space on the sign. Ramsay Signs must also be allowed to use the sign image in its advertising.
