A Baltimore icon went dark this week, but it won't be forever. The Domino Sugars sign is a stalwart of the South Baltimore waterfront, with its reflection from the harbor forming a window on the city's industrial past. For the next few months, however, the lights won't be there, as a new version is prepared. The sign is expected back by the Fourth of July.

The break from glowing is offering a bit of time for renewal. For one, the lights will be converted from neon to LED, making the massive sign more energy efficient. And it's taking advantage of some new tools: Owings Mills-based Direct Dimensions completed a laser scan of the sign, and created a 3D CAD model. That means it can now be 3D printed. (h/t Michael Raphael)

Let's hope we can all be like the Domino Sugar sign in 2021, emerging from months out of public view refreshed, optimized for the future and ready to return to the city with a bang.

How are you preparing?

—Stephen Babcock, Assistant Editor, Technical.ly (stephen@technical.ly)