Iconic West Hollywood Spot Poised for a Comeback Soon

A cherished piece of West Hollywood’s storied past might soon see a revival, pending a proposal set for review by the city council in the coming week.

City council member John M. Erickson has crafted a proposal urging the restoration of a West Hollywood sign. This proposal is scheduled for discussion at the council meeting on April 20.

The original sign, an artwork by Michael J. Masucci, made its debut in 1986. It stood on a small hill behind a parking lot at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard, adjacent to the EZTV art gallery.

Designed as a nod to the famed Hollywood sign, it quickly became a notable feature of the area.

For years, the West Hollywood sign served as a cultural icon and drew tourists, particularly resonating with the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS epidemic.

Unlike the more secluded Hollywood sign on Mount Lee, the street-level WeHo sign was more accessible, which unfortunately made it a frequent target for vandalism over 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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