Citgo Sign Is Granted Preliminary 'Landmark' Status

Boston's famous Citgo sign is one step closer to becoming an official landmark.

The Boston Landmarks Commission voted Tuesday night to grant preliminary landmark status to the Kenmore Square sign.

The move temporarily protects the sign. Preliminary status prevents removing the sign from a building that Boston University plans to sell, until the commission conducts a study and votes on permanent landmark status.

Greg Galer, of the nonprofit Boston Preservation Alliance, which backs landmark status for the sign, says there's clear support for making sure the 60-foot-by-60-foot sign stays put.

"It's an integral part of the city skyline," he said. "You see it from so many places. And it's integral of that Fenway Park, Kenmore Square, [Boston] Marathon experience."

The commission's study is expected to take at least three months.