Atlanta, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The famous aerial piano sign along Interstate 85 has been taken down after 42 years. This landmark, which was part of Cooper Piano, has represented creativity and music for the Atlanta community. As Blake Cooper retires and sells the business, his niece Laura Cooper will continue the family legacy in a new location in Chamblee, where the iconic sign cannot be recreated due to zoning laws. The sign’s removal symbolizes the personal and communal transitions occurring as the Atlanta area evolves.
Atlanta – The iconic aerial piano sign along Interstate 85 has been removed after 42 years. This landmark, which captured the attention of travelers and locals alike, was part of Cooper Piano, a family business with a rich history dating back to 1906, when it was first founded near Pittsburgh.
The piano sign was installed in 1984, quickly becoming a quirky yet significant advertisement for Cooper Piano. It served not only as a marketing tool but also as a symbol of creativity and music for the Cooper family and the Atlanta community. The removal of the sign marks a significant transition for Cooper Piano as it faces the ongoing development of Atlanta and the evolution of the company.
Blake Cooper, the president of Cooper Piano, is retiring and has made the decision to sell the building where the business has operated since 1983. Blake Cooper reflected on the transforming landscape of the area, noting that when the piano was first erected, the Perimeter was only two lanes and Dunwoody was primarily farmland.
Although Blake Cooper is stepping down, the legacy of Cooper Piano will continue. His niece, Laura Cooper, is set to take over the business and will relocate it to Chamblee, where she plans to uphold the family tradition of selling pianos. However, due to stringent zoning laws in Chamblee, the iconic aerial piano cannot be replicated at the new location.
Laura Cooper has expressed her emotional ties to the piano sign, stating that it has been a significant part of her life. She emphasized the importance of educating customers about pianos being percussion instruments, not string instruments, highlighting the need for awareness about their functionality.
The original blueprints of the sign indicated that it was designed to be a 12-foot structure, though its exact weight is not documented. The concept of the aerial piano sign was inspired by a similar marketing strategy employed by a piano dealer in Houston.
As Blake Cooper embarks on his retirement, he has plans to spend significant amounts of time in Costa Rica. The removal of the iconic sign not only reflects the personal transitions within the family business but also indicates the broader changes happening in the Atlanta region.
In summary, the removal of the piano sign marks the end of an era for Cooper Piano, yet it also sets the stage for new beginnings under Laura Cooper’s leadership. The history and charm of the aerial piano will be fondly remembered by many in Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the aerial piano sign removed?
The aerial piano sign along Interstate 85 was removed after 42 years as part of a transition in ownership at Cooper Piano, which is being sold by Blake Cooper, the president and owner.
What will happen to Cooper Piano after the removal of the sign?
Laura Cooper, Blake Cooper’s niece, will take over the business and relocate it to Chamblee, where they will continue the family tradition of selling pianos.
Why can’t the aerial piano sign be replicated at the new location?
Due to strict zoning laws in Chamblee, the iconic aerial piano sign cannot be replicated at the new location.
What significance did the piano sign hold for the community?
The piano sign served as a symbol of creativity and music for the Cooper family and the Atlanta community, gaining recognition as a memorable landmark over four decades.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sign Removal Date | 42 years after installation in 1984 |
| Business Transition | Ownership transition to Laura Cooper |
| New Location | Chamblee |
| Sign Design | 12-foot structure, original blueprint available |
| Historical Context | Part of Cooper Piano, founded in 1906 |
| Community Significance | A symbol of creativity and music for the Atlanta community |
| Retirement Plans | Blake Cooper plans to retire in Costa Rica |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Iconic Piano Taken Down
- WSB TV: End of an Era for Iconic Piano
- AJC: I-85’s Landmark Piano to Come Down
- Atlanta News First: Collector Loses Historic Pianos to Fire
- Simply Buckhead: Playing to Learn the Love of Music
- Wikipedia: Piano
- Google Search: Piano History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Piano
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
