Citgo sign in Kenmore Sq. to get makeover

BOSTON -- Considered the beacon to Boston for many, the Citgo sign in Kenmore Square is about to undergo an extreme makeover.

"It's part of Kenmore Square and part of Fenway and it should always be here," said Jan Merrithew.

"Like a lot of my friends who aren't from around here, they always ask me about the big Citgo sign. You can see it from like outside of the city, so it's a big part of it," said Ashley Sorrondeguy.

Beginning Friday night, it's "lights out" for the Citgo sign while it gets a major facelift.

"I feel bad for people that are visiting during the month and were expecting to see it, but other than that, it has to be done I guess," said Gerry Maiorana.

The current 218,000 LED lights on the sign are out of production, and will be replaced by lighter and more flexible ones that can better withstand wild weather.

It will be the longest time the sign will go black since 1979, when it was out for four years thanks to the energy crisis.

"Everyone wants us to save, but you still have to live and continue on," said Sal Santalucia.

Some time ago, Citgo wanted to take down the sign in Boston, but city officials battled to save the sign by making it a historical landmark.

Now, the rennovation project is timed to celebrate Citgo's 100-year anniversary.

Crews plan to have the sign lit up by late September.