We were just talking about tourists taking home chunks of Hollywood – literally – with them when they leave the city in the previous post. Now who would have thought that the Walk of Fame would be subject to something similar? Well, come to think of it, it would make more sense for people to actually try to bring home a piece of the Walk of Fame with them.
This time however, the shabbiness of the area just might NOT be intentional. Just like any other piece of property, the Walk of Fame is prone to wear and tear. Considering that countless of people walk over the stones year in and year out, it is but natural to expect wear and tear to take its toll on the stars.
The Independent reports:
The star-studded tourist attraction is to undergo a $4m (£2m) restoration amid reports that it is deteriorating under the feet of the crowds of visitors who trek along the two-and-a-half mile route through the heart of Los Angeles to admire the names of more than 2,300 of Hollywood’s best-known celebrities.
In recent years, dozens of the bronze stars that adorn parts of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street have buckled and warped, while many of the pink marble slabs that surround them are starting to crack.
Tourist guides have started to complain that the area looks tatty and unloved, while the city’s authorities are worried that a sightseer might trip on the damaged pavement and sue.
The solution? The Walk of Fame will be torn up and relaid. The current Walk of Fame has concrete that is 3 inches thick. The proposed revamp will have concrete laid out – all 8 inches of it. Sounds good to me!
Photo courtesy of cybertoad
Originally posted on August 10, 2008 @ 7:06 am