1928.
Los Angeles had more than 576,000 people and no freeways.
Los Angeles City Hall was dedicated in April.
And visible to the Westside was a prominent “L” on the Del Rey bluff, drawing attention to the university then under construction.
Ninety-six years later, the 50-foot-high letters – now “LMU” for Loyola Marymount University – that have stood watch over the city are getting much-needed repairs.
LMU began Phase 1 of its Bluff Mitigation Project this week, in preparation for the expected rainy season. As part of this phase, the university will remove the concrete LMU letters from the bluff. This is a necessary first step to address slope conditions and help to mitigate additional impacts from weather-related erosion.
Phase 1 is part of a long-term mitigation plan to prevent erosion, stabilize the bluff, and alleviate negative environmental impacts on the protected wetlands habitat and water systems. Future phases of the project will involve further slope stabilization efforts, including planting native vegetation to enhance the stability and natural beauty of the area, and replacing the LMU letters.
“Our efforts are aimed at protecting this iconic symbol of LMU’s identity and ensuring that future generations of students, alumni, and the Los Angeles community can continue to enjoy this landmark,” said Mike Wong, vice president for facilities management. “By addressing both the structural integrity and environmental challenges brought on by climate change, we are safeguarding a part of LMU’s legacy for decades to come.”
The first phase will take between 30-60 days to complete, weather permitting, with periodic re-tarping of the area throughout the process in response to changing weather conditions.
While the work is in progress, Cabora Road along the bluff will be closed from Lincoln Boulevard to the bluff letter area, with access limited to work crews.
The past couple of years have been hard on the bluff, which is shared jointly by LMU, Playa Vista, and Ballona Wetlands Conservancy. This highly visible section of LMU’s campus was compromised in 2023 by heavy rainfalls that damaged the footings and foundations of the bluff letters, requiring mitigation efforts that included covering the letters in plastic and rebuilding sections.
In 2024, another series of storms further undermined the bluff, widening the scope of concern well beyond the bluff letters. Rain damage in February and March 2024 led to expanded mitigation efforts focused on wrapping additional bluff side erosion points with protective plastic and closure of Cabora Road to address risks associated with hillside slope failures.