SEATTLE — Friends of Historic Belltown is requesting that Seattle city officials study whether the iconic Elephant Super Car Wash sign that has existed for 64 years can be kept in its original location, instead of moved to a museum.
"Friends of Historic Belltown asserts that the Elephant Car Wash sign exceeds the landmark designation thresholds," the group wrote in a letter to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.
The preservation group wants the sign to be nominated as a landmark to the Landmarks Board before the city issues a permit that would allow the sign to be moved to the Museum of History and Industry.
The city issued a statement on Thursday that consideration of landmark status is separate from the demolition permitting process, but that members of the public can nominate the sign for landmark status. The landmarks application is available on the Department of Neighborhoods website.
Last week, Elephant Car Wash announced it would close, citing increasing crime, drug activity, homelessness, and the increasing cost to do business in Seattle.
The company said in a statement released Thursday that "we have determined that it is impossible for a small, minimum wage-based business such as ours to successfully operate within Seattle, even one that [has] been established since 1956."
"We thank the people of Seattle for embracing the Elephant Super Car Wash - it has truly been an honor being a part of Seattle’s history for over 60 years," the statement continues.
The pink Elephant Car Wash sign was designed by Seattle's Beatrice Haverfield in 1956, and from there she gave birth to imagery that has become part of Seattle's history.
Elephant Car Wash was the second iconic Seattle business to declare major changes last week. Bartell Drugs, which has operated in Seattle for 130 years, announced its sale to national chain Rite Aid.