Efforts to Clean Up Graffiti Towers in Downtown LA Gain Momentum
Graffiti-Laden Towers in Downtown Los Angeles Set for Cleanup Following Bankruptcy Ruling
LOS ANGELES – This week, a federal judge approved a bankruptcy agreement for the owners of the Oceanwide Plaza Towers, paving the way for the sale of the long-neglected property.
The controversial buildings, often referred to as the "Graffiti Towers," have remained unfinished for seven years, accumulating graffiti and creating safety concerns for the surrounding community.
“Looks like crap, now that they’ve been able to scale the building and graffiti it into tomorrow," said Beverly, a local resident whose son lives nearby.
Construction on the towers halted in 2019 due to financial difficulties faced by the Chinese developer responsible for the project. Court documents now indicate that the confirmed bankruptcy agreement resolves outstanding disputes among creditors, facilitating the eventual sale of the properties.
Local residents express mixed feelings regarding the development. “It’s great, if they had actually done something with it, but now at this point, I think you’ve got to scrap it and start over. It can’t be passed to the taxpayers because we did not create that issue,” said Melanie Rodriguez, a resident of a neighboring building.
City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, who represents the downtown area, issued a statement emphasizing her office’s proactive engagement to address safety concerns. “My office has been actively engaged for months, with repeated site visits and coordination across City departments to address safety concerns and advance solutions that put this space to work for the City. This is a positive step forward, and we look forward to continuing that work with the new owners,” Jurado noted.
However, it remains unclear whether a prospective buyer for the property has already been identified. The future of the once-promising project hangs in the balance as the community awaits developments.
