On Monday, the West Hollywood City Council voted 5-0 in favor of a supplemental motion for staff to come back later with recommendations for a new Route 66 sign design for the 100th anniversary of the famous highway.

The proposed redesign aimed to refresh these signs with updated, modern artistic interpretations while preserving the distinct branding of the city’s Rainbow District.

The original initiative was part of the city’s broader plans to celebrate its 40th anniversary, highlighting the City of West Hollywood’s rich history and diverse community, and included directing city staff to work with Sküt, also known as Scott Lewallen, a prominent West Hollywood artist known for his work in LGBTQ advocacy and environmental causes to develop these new signs. Lewallen is also known for co-founding and designing the Grindr dating app.

But Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers thought the city’s 40^th may not be as big an anniversary is Route 66’s 100^th anniversary.

“We are just two years away from the 100th anniversary of Route 66. That’s a big deal,” said Byers. She added, “I was curious if you all would be open to seeing this alongside a process that staff could look at towards the 100th anniversary of Route 66? I loved the idea of seeing art and more signs and bringing artists to that vision of putting Route 66 signs with the West Hollywood look and feel all across Route 66. If we can aim instead, maybe towards the 40th anniversary, and at that 100th anniversary of Route 66 when up and down the highway, there will be events and moments, and maybe we can do something for our own thing here in the City of West Hollywood in 2026 and have this art be a part of that.”

Route 66, an iconic symbol of American history, has been a crucial part of West Hollywood’s identity. Celebrated in folklore, books, songs, and legends, it stands as one of the greatest symbols of America. The highway facilitated the movement of people and goods and significantly contributed to the development of regional and local economies. Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois, and goes through Santa Monica Boulevard, leading to the Pacific Ocean.

The motion now states, “In 2017, the city approved the installation of rainbow Route 66 signs along Santa Monica Boulevard, enhancing the tradition of recognizing the road’s historical significance and its unique place in West Hollywood’s LGBTQ community. The LGBTQ-themed Route 66 signs were installed in the Rainbow District, along Santa Monica Boulevard between Robertson Boulevard and Palm Avenue. These markers highlight the distinctive West Hollywood character, culture, and brand, and serve as wayfinding signs to show residents and visitors they are in West Hollywood.”

The redesigned signs would maintain an LGBTQ theme in the Rainbow District, and provide an updated, modern artistic take on the traditional Route 66 sign. They would replace all Route 66 signs along Santa Monica Boulevard throughout West Hollywood.

“This initiative will enhance the visual landscape along Santa Monica Boulevard and reinforce West Hollywood’s commitment to cultural representation. By creating two different designs, this proposal will also maintain Rainbow District-specific branding. This is consistent with the city council’s recent direction to define the Rainbow District and help highlight the area as a unique focal point within the community,” according to the motion.

Photo image is from the city’s staff report.