The iconic Citgo sign in Boston is moving, but only slightly. Officials announced Wednesday it will soon be repositioned from its perch atop Kenmore Square.

The sign will be moved 30 feet higher and 120 feet to the east on the roof of 660 Beacon St, which is being redeveloped. This will "restore and preserve the original viewshed corridor" for the sign, developers say.

"This repositioning will ensure that the CITGO Sign remains visible in our skyline for generations to come," Gov. Maura Healey said in a statement.

Citgo sign to be moved soon

Now that developers have secured federal and state exemptions, construction work to move the sign "is anticipated to begin in the near future." Crews will work to minimize the amount of time the sign's lights will have to be turned off while the move happens.

"The CITGO Sign is a beloved treasure for Kenmore Square and residents across Boston," Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said. "I'm thrilled and grateful that so many partners came together to preserve this iconic Sign for generations to come."

Citgo sign history

The Citgo sign as Boston knows it today went up in 1965. Citgo planned to tear down the sign in the 1980s, but public outcry saved it.

The sign's future was in doubt again in 2017 before Citgo and property owners reached a deal to make sure the sign "will continue to shine brightly for years to come."

The neighborhood around the Citgo sign is undergoing rapid change. In June, the Boston Red Sox ownership group unveiled plans for a new office and retail building that would be visible above Fenway Park's Green Monster. A spokesperson for the project said the new building could block views of the Citgo sign for some fans inside Fenway. 

"Emblematic of Boston"

"Rome has the Colosseum, New York City has the Statue of Liberty and for better or for worse, Boston has the Citgo sign," said Jeff Meade of Boston. "I think anything that they can do that is going to improve the sign as sort of being emblematic of Boston I think would be great." 

For those who run the Boston Marathon like Caroline Butler, the higher the better marker for runners reaching the final mile. 

"I ran the Boston Marathon five times so the further away I can see some sort of a finish line, the better," said Butler. "But with all the redevelopment happening in Fenway and Brookline, it will probably be easier to see as a landmark."