A West Hollywood landmark could return in the near future
An iconic part of West Hollywood history may soon be revived, as a new proposal is set to be reviewed by the city council next week. West Hollywood City Council member John M. Erickson has put forth a proposal to re-establish a West Hollywood sign, which was originally created by artist Michael J. Masucci in 1986. The sign, located on a small hill behind a parking lot at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard, next to the EZTV art gallery, paid homage to the original Hollywood sign and aimed to showcase West Hollywood as a thriving hub of creativity outside the traditional Hollywood system.
The West Hollywood sign quickly became a cultural landmark and tourist attraction, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis. Unlike the original Hollywood sign on Mount Lee, the WeHo sign was easily accessible at street level and was frequently vandalized over the years. Several letters were stolen and replaced by EZTV, until the sign ultimately disappeared in 1991.
The proposal to restore the West Hollywood sign involves reaching out to the current owner of the property at 8555 Santa Monica Boulevard, where a mixed-use property with apartments and retail space is planned. If the property owner is not interested, the City Council will consider other city-owned parcels for a temporary or permanent installation.
The goal of re-installing the West Hollywood sign is to commemorate a significant piece of the city’s cultural history while creating a visual landmark that meets contemporary standards for durability, safety, and artistic integrity. The City Council staff will conduct outreach, evaluate costs, and assess the feasibility of the project before returning to the Council with a recommendation.
If approved, the project is likely to be included in the City Council’s 2027 fiscal year budget. The exact budget for the restoration project remains uncertain at this time. The proposal will be discussed at the upcoming city council meeting, and the decision will have a significant impact on preserving the legacy of the West Hollywood sign for future generations.
