Oregon Public Broadcasting

After months of wrangling, the University of Oregon and the city of Portland have agreed on the future of the 'Made in Oregon' sign. April Baer reports.

Ever since the U of O moved into the building beneath the sign -- a classic Old Portland icon -- tensions have been simmering over whether the famous image could be changed.

The dispute was starting to get ugly.

City Commissioner Randy Leonard threatened to condemn the sign if it were remade according to University plans. 

The school suggested it might sue for its right to free speech.  But Leonard says he's not sorry he made his stand.

Randy Leonard: "This sign for a lot of us really reflects our history and who we are as Portlanders."

The sign's already been through several incarnations, first advertising the White Stag brand, then the "Made in Oregon" chain stores.

The white stag will still leap cross the top of the sign.  It will bear the word Oregon in script, and the words Old Town and Portland in smaller letters.

The University will be able to paint its trademark "O" on a nearby water tower.