Hollywood Sign Hotel Proposal
Will the HOLLYWOOD Sign Become the Site for a Luxury Hotel?
This article has been re-written at the request of my Associated Content Editor so it conforms with AC publishing requirements.
Does Hollywood need another hotel?
There is no doubt that real estate developers would love to get their hands on the site on which the HOLLYWOOD sign is erected. Testament to this is the recent proposal by Danish architect Christian Bay-Jorgensen of Bay Arch who has produced a preliminary design for a unique, luxury hotel complex he considers suitable to replace the sign. This proposal emerged a short time after Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner donated $900,000 to top up to $12.5 million the fund needed to buy the land to save the 85 year old HOLLYWOOD sign.
These questions have to be asked:
Does Hollywood need a hotel in this particular location?
What is more important - protecting and preserving the existing sign for future generations to marvel at, or allowing developers to destroy it and throw it on the scrap-heap in favor of building a glitzy tourist haven with shopping malls and all the usual hotel frippery?
For an against the Hollywood Sign Hotel
What initially seemed like a good idea, it soon lost its appeal to me because tearing down the world renowned HOLLYWOOD sign is the equivalent of saying a final goodbye to the Hollywood that was so much a part of many lives for a long time. Conversely, some people could consider the sign to be "past its prime" and due for a make-over.
To be realistic, the idea has been dismissed by some, including the President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Leron Gubler, who stated in the media recently that the proposal is "too far fetched".
Well - to call the proposal "far fetched" is probably a stretch. Modern construction techniques could overcome any obstacles that such a site would present. However, overcoming the opposition to demolition of the sign would be a worse problem. I can't see such a project being acceptable considering that many powerful people, including Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, himself a former action hero movie star, have put their support behind the Hollywood Sign Trust.
The 138 acres of land adjacent to the Sign will now become part of Griffith Park which is already the largest municipal park in the US. The land was originally bought by industrialist Howard Hughes in 1940 to build a home for actress Ginger Rogers. That never happened. Their relationship failed and after Hughes died, his estate sold the property in 2002 to a group of Chicago investors. They subsequently put the property on the market in 2008 for $22 million as a potential site for four luxury homes. A group of benefactors (famous, influential people as well as ordinary citizens) raised the funds to buy the property so it will be permanently preserved and the and the HOLLYWOOD sign will remain the famous landmark it has been for the past 85 years.
It is now certain that any project, far-fetched or otherwise, will be considered for this particular location. It would seem to be wishful thinking on the part of the architect who has a vision for the unobtainable site. Why do many countries have organizations that lobby for various important buildings and structures to be heritage listed and preserved as part of that country's history? And why would the United States of America want a Danish architect dictating to them what should happen to this amazing site?
An outsider's point of view
Even though I am Australian, for as long as I can remember I have been enchanted by anything to do with Hollywood, movies and those who star in them. After careful consideration, I have to admit I would rather see the current sign stay than to see it disappear only to be replaced as the façade for a ritzy hotel.
To read a complete history of the HOLLYWOOD sign - CLICK HERE
Sources:
http://www.hollywoodsign.org/savethepeak.html
To view more of my content - CLICK HERE
Published by Susan Jane
I am an Australian professional writer with with 28 years of commercial experience. In 2003, I became full-time carer for my mother (now 91) who has a form of dementia. I was recently appointed as a Featured... View profile
- What to See and Do While Visiting HollywoodThere's lots to see and do while visiting Hollywood but planning your itinerary ahead of time will not only get you to the main sites and attractions but also save you time.
Lights, Latkes, Action: Hanukkah in Los AngelesHanukkah! No matter how you spell it (Hanukkah, Hannukah or Chanukah), Los Angeles is the perfect place to celebrate it. Attend the Skirball Center's Hanukkah's annual festival...
Guide to Local Halloween Activities in the Los Angeles ,California, AreaThis is an article detailing the many different Halloween activities in the Los Angeles area, and offering tricks to make your experience at each one the best it can be.
Hollywood Celebrity Nightlife : The Who's Who of Los Angeles Nightclubs What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Veags, it has a way of coming across the mountains to Los Angeles. LA is boasting some of the most outragous nightlife in the co...- New Year's Eve Guide for Los Angeles CaliforniaThis article reviews a guide to New Year's Eve activities in Los Angeles California.
- The Unlikely Fate of an American Icon -- a History of the HOLLYWOOD Sign
- Fun Facts About the Hollywood Sign
- Hugh Hefner Helps to Preserve the Hollywood Sign
- The Hollywood Sign Covered With: SAVE the PEAK
- Hugh Hefner's Donation Saves "Hollywood" Sign
- Guide to Celebrating the Christmas Holidays in Los Angeles
- Teens Set Hollywood Ablaze
- Does Hollywood need another hotel?
- For an against the Hollywood Sign Hotel
- An outsider's point of view
13 Comments
Post a CommentHey this is America and we are about progress. I think the sign should be turned into a giant roller coaster.
I believe the sign should stay...as Lynn stated, it IS a nat'l landmark!
The sign is a national landmark and needs to stay
I hope the sign gets to stay!!
yes I agree it should be left as a historical landmark, but as they say money talks
The sign whould be classified as a 'historical landmark' and left alone. Great reporting, Susan.
The sign is an icon, like Mount Rushmore. Are we gonna tear down Mount Rushmore to build a hotel? Preserve the sign!!
Leave the sign alone!
I think the sign should be patented and then put on a soft drink that will make people feel like they were once orange groves who turned into a film makers wasteland flourishing only with ego.
I totally agree ladies - and I'm not American! How dare this "Dane" even suggest such a project!