The iconic sign atop the former Walter Baker Chocolate factory in Lower Mills was dismantled, lowered to the ground via the use of a crane and shipped away for repairs last Wednesday. Neighborhood leaders behind the restoration project say that it will be replaced on its perch atop the Baker Loft building, which once housed administrative offices for the legendary chocolate company, in six to eight weeks.

The project— made possible by funds from the Community Preservation Act (CPA) – will allow the “visual anchor” of Lower Mills village to be illuminated again for the first time in decades. The sign, which was originally neon-lighted, will be updated with efficient LED bulbs and remounted. 

The price tag for the project is around $66,000, 83 percent of which ($55,000) is being covered by the CPA grant. The proponents of the rehab include the Lower Mills Civic Association, WBL Artist Collective, Inc., and the non-profit sponsor DotArt.

To donate and to find out more about the campaign, visit dotart.org.