Gem Auto Wash Neon Sign Returns

The neon Gem Auto Wash sign has made a triumphant return and is once again lighting up the night sky along Freeport Boulevard. Back in January of 2015 a huge crane was removing the beloved classic neon sign and replacing it with an updated run-of-the-mill one at the car wash. The removal of the sign was part of a “re-branding of the business” from Gem Auto Wash to Gem Car Wash and Detail Center.
When I saw it happening I pulled the car over immediately and started asking questions. I spoke with Reed Hollingshead, the owner of Gem Auto Wash, and he alleviated my concerns back then about the iconic neon sign. He assured me that he would preserve the sign that has been lighting up Freeport Boulevard, and the Hollywood Park area, since 1962. The plan was to strip, paint, and repair the old Gem Auto Wash sign and mount it in the middle of the façade above the car wash tunnel. True to his word, that’s exactly what Mr. Hollingshead, did.