The Stanley Center for the Arts is most grateful to the Wagner Electric Sign Company of Elyria, Ohio for the splendid restoration of the 1928 marquee of the Stanley Theatre in Utica, New York. 

The care and quality of the workmanship on this project was evident from our first meeting with members of the firm.  

We were most impressed by the care they took in the assessment of the project, and the subsequent removal of the many components of the marquee. The pieces were safely transported to the Wagner plant in Ohio, and we were kept apprised of all developments in the restoration process.

We were most excited by the many discoveries made of the "original" marquee, which made it fairly simple to make decisions on its final color choice and the restoration of hidden components of the marquee (such as the original "WB" lighted circle on the front. The work was done in a timely manner, and was returned to Utica as planned.

The reinstallation of the marquee was not an easy process, as the installers had to battle adverse January weather (wind, rain, sleet, freezing temperatures). The crews worked many extra hours to make sure all components were installed and working properly. The only major hitch was the initial setting up of the new Galaxy Pro digital signboards from Daktronics, but representatives from Wagner kept working with Daktronics to resolve these issues for us. The "new" Stanley marquee has received a lot of attention since its relighting last week. It has received universal acclaim, and the marquee is lighting up downtown Utica again!

We heartily recommend Wagner Electric Sign Company for any kind of restoration of old signage. They go beyond restoration as they successfully integrate new technology into the signs so that they work for the future. Thank you!

Regards,
John Faust
Stanley Theatre Manager
The Stanley Center for the Arts