The iconic Hollywood sign is in danger of being obstructed by hulking mansions. The land was originally purchased by industrialist Howard Hughes in 1940, to build a home, after Hughes died his estate sold the property in 2002 to a group of Chicago investors. They put the property on the market two years ago for $22 million. It is zoned to build four luxury homes.The Chicago investors later agreed to sell the land to the city for $12.5 million. Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge and the Trust for Public Land have worked since February to raise the money to secure the 138-acre parcel to the west of the Hollywood sign called Cahuenga Peak. The deadline was originally set for April 14, but thanks to the cooperation of the landowners, it has been extended until April 30. (http://www.savehollywoodland.org/)
Hollywood Un-der-line is a project that aims at preserving the sign both now as in the future. The design adds a program underneath the sign, by doing so both the sign as its natural surroundings are respected. The design will be an added value for the region and creates at the same time a financial safeguard for the sign in the future.
