Billionaire TV executive, Diane von Furstenberg could pay for Hollywood Sign gondola

A whimsical solution to the persistent problem of how to provide Los Angeles residents and visitors with easy access to the Hollywood Sign may now have a source of funding.

Variety reports that media mogul Barry Diller, along with his wife, fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, and her son, Alexander von Furstenberg, are considering financing a gondola that would ferry passengers up to the sign from the LA Zoo.

The idea of a gondola—or even a zipline—that could provide easy access to an up-close view of the famous letters atop Mount Lee has been circulating for a while now. Most recently, Mayor Eric Garcetti mentioned the possibility in an interview with ABC7.

According to Variety, the gondola would cost between $25 million and $30 million. But plans for the project remain vague.

Leron Gubler, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, tells Variety the gondola is still “just an idea.”

Access to the sign has become a key issue for residents and elected officials alike in the Hollywood area. Residents who live close to the sign have long complained about traffic problems in the area created by visitors hoping for an up-close view of the LA landmark.

In March, the city announced it would close the popular Beachwood Canyon access point to Griffith Park—previously the most efficient way for hikers to reach the Hollyridge Trail, which offers some of the best views of the sign.

In July, several neighborhood groups in the area responded with a lawsuit calling on the city to reverse its decision and reopen the access point.

While a gondola would certainly make it easier for many to see the sign, don’t buy your tickets just yet. The plan is far from a done deal and would be subject to an extensive review process before becoming a reality.

In the meantime, the Los Angeles City Council has requested that police, parks, and transportation officials draft a new spending plan for managing “traffic and safety issues” around the sign.

• LA Mayor mulling a gondola to the Hollywood Sign from Universal Studios [Curbed LA]
• The Proposed Runyon Canyon Zipline Should Be Built By the Hollywood Sign Instead [Curbed LA]
• The Hollywood Sign: A solution to the crisis [Curbed LA]