Iconic monument to old Hollywood could get second life under new proposal

An iconic part of West Hollywood history could be restored, thanks to a new proposal that will be reviewed by the city council next week.

West Hollywood City Council member John M. Erickson has drafted a proposal asking the council to re-establish a West Hollywood sign, which will be addressed at the April 20 meeting.

The original sign, created by artist Michael J. Masucci, was erected in 1986, on a small hill located behind a parking lot at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard, next to the EZTV art gallery.

The sign paid homage to the original Hollywood sign.

The West Hollywood sign became a cultural landmark and tourist attraction for many years, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis.

While the original Hollywood sign on Mount Lee is much less accessible, the WeHo sign was on street level and was frequently vandalized throughout the years.

According to the EZTV Online Museum, several of the letters were stolen over the years, and were replaced by EZTV.

However, at one point, EZTV, “eventually grew tired of making new letters,” and the sign ultimately disappeared in 1991.

The proposal reveals that the City Council will reach out to the current owner of the property at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard – the site of a proposed mixed-use property with apartments and retail space.

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The proposal reveals that the property owner, “has received entitlements for the redevelopment of the site, which is why this proposal is intended to be a temporary installation.”

The City Council will also consider, “other city-owned parcels for a temporary or permanent installation,” if the property owner does not want to participate.

“Reinstallation of the West Hollywood Sign artwork would commemorate an important piece of the City’s cultural history while reestablishing a visual landmark that reflects contemporary standards for durability, safety, and artistic integrity,” the proposal said.

The City Council staff will conduct the outreach and and evaluate costs and the feasibility of this project, and return to the Council with a recommendation.

If it is approved, it will likely be part of the City Council’s 2027 fiscal year budget, though it’s unclear how big of a budget this project may have, if it’s approved.

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