PORTLAND, Ore. -- A North Portland landmark could be coming down and it’s generating some real passion over protecting distinctive mid-century signs.

The Crown Motel sign has blazed a neon glow on North Interstate Avenue since 1959. But in a few weeks, the motel and its classic sign will be demolished to make room for a new housing project.

The sign is one of almost a dozen classic pieces along the avenue that have shined since gas prices were a quarter, the Big Bopper was on the radio and "Bonanza" premiered on television.

North Interstate Avenue was the major route between Portland and Seattle in the 1950s and a lot of the neighborhood flavor from North Overlook to Russet was framed by that era.

The motel will be torn down in March, but a city coalition called Atomic Age Alliance Portland wants the sign to be saved. They’re trying to find a nearby property to put the neon piece before its history and character are lost.

The group said they want to create a plan to preserve the Crown Motel and all the other neon signs for generations.

For more information, visit www.aapdx.org/atomic/.