Here's a sneak peek at the illuminated Hamilton sign as installation begins

On Thursday installationbegan on the "Hamilton" sign outside of city hall.

Workers began laying abasestructurefor the illuminated letters.

The sign will be unveiled at a special ceremony on April 27.

Once complete, the city will be able to change the colours of the letters for various holidays and events.

The sign was pitched as a Canada 150 project.

Twelve companies, groups and families each contributed $25,000 toward the $300,000 project, which include include prominent homebuilders, hospitality companies and a steelmaker.

The sign is expected to be about 2.25 metres tall, two metres deep and 20 metres long.

Here's a first look at the structure.