Scope of work:

Remove outdated components, install new low-voltage power supplies, and upgrade to LED color-changing faux neon strips.

Completion Date:

August 2025

Narrative of what we did

Located on the northeast corner of Union Square, the W Hotel sign is one of New York City’s most recognizable rooftop landmarks, visible from much of downtown Manhattan at nearly 500 feet above street level. North Shore Neon was brought in to perform a complete rehabilitation of this historic gas-tube neon sign. Over the years, the sign’s original neon system had become inefficient, power-hungry, and increasingly difficult to maintain. Our team’s goal was to preserve the iconic character of the sign while upgrading it with modern, sustainable technology.

Our team carefully dismantled the original resistive transformers and mercury-filled glass tubing, replacing them with new low-voltage power supplies for safer, more reliable, and energy-efficient operation. The sign was upgraded with LED color-changing faux neon strips, allowing the client to instantly adjust brightness and color, create dynamic lighting effects, and program complex color shows.

The result is a revitalized landmark that consumes just 25% of the power of the original neon installation while maintaining its iconic presence on the skyline. By blending tradition with innovation, North Shore Neon ensured the W Hotel Union Square’s rooftop beacon will continue to shine brightly over Manhattan—now smarter, greener, and more versatile than ever.