Hillcrest has a new glow to it. The iconic Hillcrest sign that welcomes locals and visitors along University Avenue was taken down for renovations — but now it's back and shinier than ever.

🛠 Why were renovations needed?

It's hard for Hillcrest to lose its shine, but its sign had seen brighter days. At the end of 2022, the Hillcrest Business Association stopped lighting it up because the LEDs weren't as strong as they once were.

The display has gone through maintenance over the years, but the dimming lights indicated it was once again time for a refresh. But, this couldn't happen without community support. Like prior efforts, this $80,000+ glow-up was entirely funded by donations from locals and businesses in the area.

💡 The glow-up

At the end of January, the sign was taken down for renovations, leaving the heart of the community looking quite bare. Last week, Hillcrest came together and celebrated the return of the landmark sign.

What makes this sign different? Now, its lights can change colors because crews installed environmentally-friendly LEDs that have 16+ million different hues. Each letter can be illuminated in its own color, allowing the sign to be used for holiday celebrations and observances.

Hello Mardi Gras, Hillcrest style. | Photo via @jhcilch

🎉 Reasons to celebrate

The Hillcrest sign has always been a source of pride in the community. It's been hanging over University Avenue since 1940, and it's been a guiding light since it was first illuminated in 1984. Hillcrest wouldn't be the same without it.

Now that the sign is back and better, it will be part of the community's celebrations. It welcomed Mardi Gras with green, purple, and gold, but it will shine differently for Christmas or San Diego Pride — and don't worry, the classic look will show up between themed displays.