Gowanus residents seek to save endangered “Kentile” sign
“We first became aware when we saw the scaffolding, like everyone else,” said Stefanie Wood, co-founder of ‘Save Our Sign.’ Her organization hopes to preserve the indelible ‘Kentile Floors’ lettering that peers over low-slung Gowanus warehouses from possible destruction.
The sign, a relic from a manufacturing-era past, advertising a company long since out of business. It is nonetheless adored by commuters, residents and local workers alike for its unique typography and emblematic impression on the Brooklyn skyline.
“We thought it was coming down earlier, but that was a false alarm,” Wood said. “Now the owner has a demolition permit.”
Wood, along with co-founder Stephen Savage and ‘Save Our Sign’ members, held a rally Wednesday morning on Ninth Street in Gowanus, near the ‘Kentile’ site. With a bullhorn and placards, supporters pleaded to “save our sign.” Local truckers and construction workers, many of whom are also fond of the signage, honked their horns in solidarity or shouted words of encouragement as they passed by.