JFG Coffee Donates $13K To Save Historic Charlotte Signs

The company behind the "JFG Coffee" billboard that was once a landmark in Uptown Charlotte has donated $13,100 to help preserve other historic signs. JFG's contract for the billboard location ended in November and the sign was taken down. But nostalgic Charlotte residents protested and JFG started immediately looking for a new place to put sign. Company officials say they'll have a decision soon. Diane Althouse of the nonprofit advocacy group Historic Charlotte says people seem to feel as strongly about old signs as the do about old buildings. "Whether it's doo-wop signs in New Jersey or all the neon signs in Las Vegas, this is part of people's landscape and culture," says Althouse. "We all have stories and memories of going to some of those businesses growing up as kids or as adults." With JFG's $13,100 donation, Historic Charlotte has set up a special fund to help keep other historic signs in the city's landscape. Althouse says it can cost hundreds of dollars to refurbish a sign and move it to a new location. Finding those locations can also be a challenge. Althouse hopes the special fund will give property owners an incentive to keep vintage signs in place. She expects the well-known "Jesus Saves" lettering atop a decaying church in Wesley Heights will be the first to receive funding.