Hollywood Hills Eyesore: Second Abandoned Mansion Owned by Phillies Owner's Son Defaced by Graffiti

Photo byJonathan Lloyd

A second abandoned mansion in the Hollywood Hills, owned by John Powers Middleton, son of the Philadelphia Phillies' owner, has become a canvas for graffiti artists over the weekend. This latest incident follows a series of escalating vandalism and squatter invasions that have turned the property into a neighborhood nightmare. Middleton's other nearby abandoned mansion, also heavily vandalized, has further fueled frustrations among residents and city officials alike.

The multi-story mansion on North Sunset Plaza Drive, once a lavish Italian villa-style estate, has been vacant for years, allowing it to deteriorate into a public eyesore. Squatters and vandals have been drawn to the property, leaving neighbors like Marina Mizruh, who has a direct view of the property, fed up. "We had squatters, and more squatters, and then graffiti, and more graffiti," Mizruh shared in frustration, calling for the city to take over and demolish the property.

Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman's office has expressed similar concerns, describing the situation as an "egregious violation of the law." Raman’s office has been working closely with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (DBS) to address the issue. According to her team, DBS has been actively investigating both the North Sunset Plaza property and Middleton's other abandoned mansion on Mulholland Drive. "Our office has elevated the issue to ensure that the fullest extent of enforcement is being implemented urgently and swiftly," Raman's office noted.

The city has taken some measures, including posting violation notices and building fences around the properties to secure them. On Tuesday, firefighters and city workers were on-site at North Sunset Plaza Drive to remove graffiti and place additional fencing around the mansion. Los Angeles Police Department officers were also present as part of the effort to bring the property under control.

City records reveal a troubling history with both properties. Since 2014, over eight notices have been issued regarding the North Sunset Plaza property, ranging from overgrown vegetation to repeated violations for being open to the public. Meanwhile, the Mulholland Drive mansion, purchased by Middleton in 2012, was declared a nuisance in 2022. After Middleton failed to secure the property, the city intervened, installing fencing themselves.

Middleton’s properties have not only become a magnet for vandals but a point of contention among residents like Richard Franklin, who expressed his dismay at the lack of accountability. "I’m not sure it’s the job of the city to clear up his mess," Franklin said. "It’s his job to be prosecuted. It’s a reflection of the decline of America, and it’s a reflection of the fact that we’ve accepted the unacceptable."

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety continues to assess the situation, with the city prepared to take further action if necessary. However, the responsibility remains with the property owner to secure and maintain the homes, ensuring they no longer pose a threat to the neighborhood. A Phillies spokesperson confirmed that Middleton is the sole owner of both properties, and no other members of the Middleton family are involved.

As the Hollywood Hills community waits for resolution, the saga of these abandoned mansions serves as a stark reminder of what happens when luxury homes fall into neglect.