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Reporter's Notebook: Up close with St. Paul's '1st' sign

KARE 11 Reporter Ellery McCardle got an up close and personal view of the iconic sign in downtown St. Paul.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- When I think of downtown St. Paul, the iconic '1st' sign automatically comes to mind. How could it not? I grew up seeing the sign ever since I was a kid, riding in my parent's car weaving along I-94. I'd watch for the red glow to appear and would count how long it would stay lit up on each side. I'd watch for the red lights to beam out to the world, and I still do today.

In 2016, the owners of the building, Madison Equities, finished a $12 million renovation of the sign after it was damaged by wind. They used that time to upgrade the sign to energy-efficient LED lighting.

For several months, the sign went dark and I remember seeing social media posts from people asking when it would be re-lit. I was curious too. It was weird seeing it dark. Something wasn't right. That St. Paul skyline wasn't the same. Now, when I drive by I look to see it lit up and guess what color it will be. I've seen it in red (of course), purple and white. Over the weekend, the sign was green for St. Patrick's Day. Darn, wish I would've known to photograph that.

Last month, the First National Bank Building came up in conversation one morning at work. A co-worker and myself were talking about how we've wanted to take photos on top of the building. A few emails later and I was 30-some stories up there, beaming with joy.

It was myself and a security guard. We took the elevator up to the top and two more flights of stairs. He opened the door and I was amazed. Not only by the monstrosity of the three '1st' signs, but also the view.

It was a clear, Thursday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. I looked to my left, I looked to my right and I looked up. I could see the 3M tower in Maplewood, the Minneapolis skyline, the mighty Mississippi River and the curve of I-35E North. That '1st' sign consumed my eyes with its bold, red backdrop. This is the sign I have gazed at from a distance for decades and now I am underneath it.

For the next three hours I captured the changing sky from a clear blue to black. I moved my tripod around to try and get the perfect shot. I can only imagine what the security guard was thinking when I laid on my back and tilted the camera up to get that wide shot. I didn't care. I was in photography heaven.

My love for taking photos has really grown in the past year or so. As a kid, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up. One time my answer was 'A National Geographic photographer.' Okay, I'm not at THAT level yet, but I want to get better. I received my current Canon camera as a gift last year and that changed what I could do because I could change out the lenses.

There are two things I love to photograph (besides airplanes); landscapes and architecture. I am obsessed with travel as well, whether I'm on a day-trip in Minnesota or a worldwide adventure. I love being outdoors and capturing the beauty of this world.

With that, I ask YOU, the readers and the viewers of KARE 11, where should I go next? Whether it's a landmark or just a cool street corner, I'm always looking for a new adventure in this great state (and Western Wisconsin, can't forget my hometown area) and I can't wait to show you more snapshots of where YOU send me.

Here's how to contact Ellery McCardle:

Email: emccardle@kare11.com

Twitter: @ElleryTV

Instagram: @ellerymctv

Facebook: Ellery McCardle

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