I have to share this investor story with you! You know the famous “Hollywood” sign in Los Angeles (USA). Did you know that the world famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles has a really fascinating story behind it? And did you know that it was actually about real estate? My little story of Villa Tour LA from Los Angeles, the story of “Hollywood Land”!
Originally known as “Hollywood Land,” it was once created by a smart real estate investor to attract wealthy property buyers! A story of rise, fall and rise again – so American.
Today have written a new post (on Immobilien-Erfahrung.de), about a story that fascinated me as a real estate fan so much that I researched more. It’s about a real estate investor, one of the most famous symbols in the world and a clever advertising idea for newly built properties.
The plan of real estate investor Harry Chandler
In 1923, the Hollywood sign was erected. It was developed by real estate investor Harry Chandler as part of an extensive advertising campaign for his real estate project in the Hollywood Hills.
Chandler had a vision to transform this sprawling area into an exclusive and upscale residential neighborhood.
Harry Chandler had big plans for the Hollywood Hills area. As president of the Los Angeles Times, he recognized the enormous potential of the region for the development of an exclusive residential area.
As editor of the Los Angeles Times, Harry Chandler used his position to exert political and economic influence. He was committed to promoting infrastructure projects and economic development in Los Angeles. Chandler supported the expansion of the Port of Los Angeles, which contributed to its current importance as one of the largest seaports in the world.
In addition, he played an active role in promoting tourism in the region, supporting the construction of hotels and attractions that promoted Los Angeles as a tourist destination.
Chandler was also well-connected in political circles and maintained close relationships with influential figures in the city and beyond. His influence spanned a variety of areas, from real estate development to the media landscape and urban development in general.
Harry Chandler left an impressive legacy that had a lasting impact on the growth and development of Los Angeles.
“Hollywood Land” – Chandler’s ambitious project
Hollywood Land was Chandler’s ambitious project aimed at attracting wealthy real estate buyers. He purchased large tracts of land in the Hollywood Hills and developed a plan to build an upscale residential neighborhood there that would be inhabited by celebrities and wealthy families. To attract the interest of potential buyers, Chandler planned an extensive advertising campaign in which the Hollywood sign would play a central role.
“Hollywoodland, the Subdivision Beautiful.”
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15 meters high letters and 4,000 light bulbs
The gigantic letters were erected on a hill and were visible from afar. The original Hollywood sign consisted of thirteen 15-meter-high letters that formed the words “Hollywood Land”. It was illuminated by some 4,000 light bulbs that shone like a brilliant lighthouse over the city at night. This impressive construction was a technical feat at the time and was intended to attract potential buyers from afar.
Chandler was a savvy businessman and knew that the Hollywood sign would serve not only as a marketing tool, but also as a symbol of the glamour and opportunity associated with life in Hollywood Land. The sign quickly became a landmark that embodied the dreams and ambitions of people around the world.
Chandler’s successful advertising strategy
Chandler’s strategy was successful, and Hollywood Land quickly became a desirable address for wealthy real estate buyers. Celebrities such as actors, directors, and producers like Charlie Chaplin moved to the area, and the sign became a potent symbol of the glamorous lifestyle and dreams associated with the entertainment industry.
This is what the Hollywood Hills and Beverly Hills look like today. The average rent for a house is quickly $10,000 per month.
The downfall of Hollywood Land
Unfortunately, the success of Hollywood Land did not last. In the following decades, the area fell into oblivion and the sign began to deteriorate.
The demise of Hollywood Land was the result of a combination of factors that caused the area to lose its appeal in the decades that followed.
Changes in the film industry: The neighborhood
In the 1920s and thereafter, the film industry in Hollywood experienced an enormous boom. Film studios increasingly focused on other areas in Los Angeles, such as Hollywood Boulevard, instead of producing in the remote Hollywood Hills. As a result, the area lost importance for the film industry, which also affected the interest of celebrities in Hollywood Land.
Economic difficulties: Falling real estate prices
In the 1930s, the Great Depression broke out and also hit the real estate industry hard. Financial uncertainty made many potential buyers reluctant to invest in exclusive residential areas like Hollywood Land. Real estate prices fell, and the project ran into financial difficulties.
Neglect and vandalism in the Hollywood Hills.
Over time, the Hollywood sign was neglected and was increasingly subject to vandalism. Maintenance and care of the sign were neglected, leading to decay and damage. As a result, the sign lost its former luster and appeal.
Urban development: loss of charm
Over the decades, Los Angeles continued to develop and the demand for residential and commercial real estate led to new construction projects. Some areas of the Hollywood Hills were converted for the construction of residential and commercial complexes, resulting in a change in the landscape and a loss of the original charm of Hollywood Land.
All of these factors contributed to Hollywood Land fading into the background and losing its former appeal. Fortunately, however, efforts and investments were later made to restore the Hollywood sign and preserve it as a Los Angeles landmark.
Decay and restoration
For the reasons stated above, the Hollywood sign began to deteriorate over the years due to neglect and vandalism. In the 1940s, the words “Country” were removed from the sign, so from then on it read only “Hollywood.” Nevertheless, the sign remained a fixture in the city and was beloved by residents.
The rescue of the Hollywood sign
Did you know that the Hollywood sign was almost torn down in the 1970s to make way for new construction projects? But thanks to the dedication of celebrities like Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, and generous donations from the public, the sign was saved and restored. It received a major renovation and became an official Los Angeles landmark.
Until today: symbol of the entertainment industry
Today, the Hollywood sign not only stands for the Hollywood Hills and the dream of fame and fortune, but also symbolizes the world-renowned entertainment industry. It is a coveted photo motif for tourists from all over the world and serves as the starting point for numerous celebrities’ careers.
The history of the “Hollywood” sign
Long ago, when the entertainment industry was still in its infancy, there was an ambitious real estate investor named Harry Chandler. He had a vision that went far beyond what people could imagine. He bought large tracts of land in the Hollywood Hills and created an exclusive residential area called Hollywood Land.
But Harry knew he had to do more to attract wealthy buyers. He had a brilliant idea – a sign that towered high above the city, proclaiming glamour and success. The Hollywood sign was born. The gigantic letters glowed with thousands of light bulbs and attracted the attention of the world. Celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford flocked to the Hollywood Hills and made their dreams come true.
The Hollywood sign tells a story of dreams and resilience. It symbolizes the magic of the film industry and reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is hope. It stands proudly over the Hollywood Hills, inviting us to pursue our own dreams. Because in the land of illusions, anything is possible.
It all started with a real estate advertising idea!
That was the short investor story of the “Hollywood” sign.
Hollywoodland 2030? Saudi Arabia in a construction boom
You want more interesting real estate investment stories from around the world? How about the UEA (United Arab Emirates)! To lure real estate buyers, a hundred years later, gigantic signs are no longer built, but gigantic construction projects that have never been seen before.
3 examples: The Line, Mukaab & Maraya
3 examples I have brought with me. The Line, a 170 kilometer long, 500 meter high, mirrored line will soon cross the Saudi Arabian desert. In Riyadh, the “Mukaab” is being built. Simply put, the most expensive surprise egg in the world! Costing 800 billion, the construction will provide space for 20 Empire State Buildings. A 400 meter high, wide and long indoor super city in the center of Riyadh. Example 3 is the Maraya, the largest mirrored concert hall in the world.
/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lukinski-logo-real-estate-investment-germany-house-villa-off-market-clean.svg00L_kinski/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/lukinski-logo-real-estate-investment-germany-house-villa-off-market-clean.svgL_kinski2023-08-24 10:02:372023-08-24 10:02:37“Hollywood” sign: Real Estate Investor Story from “Hollywood Land” – you never would have guessed!
Photo By Los Angeles Times | CC BY 4.0, Link
