The iconic neon Sam The Record Man sign that fronted Yonge Street for over fifty years is one step closer to finding a new home. Ryerson University has been under pressure to find a new location for the sign after removing it in 2008 when the old Sam's stores was demolished to make way for the Ryerson Student Learning Centre, which is currently under construction. Fans of the original 1960's neon signage, will be happy to learn that Toronto City Planners have come up with an alternative location for the one-of-a-kind sign.

New placement for the Sam The Record Man neon sign, image by City of Toronto

A new City report recommends that Toronto enters into a license agreement with Ryerson University, to place the sign on the rooftop of 277 Victoria Street, a City-owned public health building on the east side of Yonge-Dundas Square, and a block southeast of the original Sam's store. In this new location the sign will be visible from Yonge and Dundas Streets, one of Toronto's busiest intersections, and would compliment the bright light and modern LED screens surrounding the square. The City's existing agreement with Ryerson University securing the restoration and reinstallation of the signage on the Ryerson Student Learning Centre would be released. 

The original Sam The Record Man sign will be visible from Yonge & Dundas Square, image by City of Toronto

This property is located within the Downtown Yonge Street Special Sign District, and is specifically contemplated in the Signage Vision for the Downtown Yonge Street Strip, adopted by Toronto City Council in 2009. The City of Toronto has been working closely with Ryerson University, the Sniderman Family, representatives of the music industry, and important stakeholders to find this appropriate location for the sign.

The report also recommends that staff examine a possible addition for a "Toronto Music City" sign element that would anchor the Sam The Record Man signage. The optional sign is to be determined, and would span down vertically on the corner of Dundas and Victoria Street.

The original Sam The Record Man store at Yonge & Gould Street, image by Simon P

What do you think of the new placement for the Sam The Record Man sign? Do you think the new placement is a good compromise? Tell us below in the comments and let us know your thoughts.