The iconic orange neon sign that graced Tee Jaye s restaurant and Jerry s Drive-In at North High Street and Morse Road are among nine sites on Columbus Landmarks annual most endangered landmarks list this year.
The sign received the most nominations from the public this year, said Becky West, Columbus Landmarks executive director. It s really a touchstone for people who grew up in the neighborhood, and people who are just traveling through West said.
There s also a nostalgia factor, she said. People have a fondness for the audacity of the sign.
The sign dates back to 1961, and was designed by Fred Ervin Neon Sales of Columbus. It s fate is uncertain as a result of Tee Jaye s closing on April 30. A trust controlled by a California man declined to renew the restaurant s lease, and documents submitted to the Columbus building department mentions plans for a Chick Fil-A there.