The upscale neighborhood of the Hollywood Hills has been at odds with an abandoned mansion that has been turned into a sprawling canvas of graffiti, sparking concerns over public safety and the degradation of community standards. This residence, owned by John Powers Middleton, son of the Philadelphia Phillies owner, has lapsed into a state of disrepair and is the subject of contention for nearby residents.
According to ABC7, the property located at 7571 Mulholland Drive has not only been the site of repeated vandalism but has also seen an influx of squatters over the past two years. Neighbors have expressed frustrations with the mansion, which sits littered with refuse and marked by broken glass. They have also raised concerns about security in the community, citing incidents of threatening behavior from individuals who have breached the premises. "It's become a bit larger than it should be, and there doesn't seem to be much concern for the safety and well-being of the neighbors," resident Magnus Fiennes told ABC7.
Despite the mansion's previous glamor, having housed celebrities and business moguls alike, today it stands as a stark contrast to its erstwhile grandeur. The Los Angeles Police Department reported to CBS News Los Angeles that they responded to six calls related to trespassing and tagging at the property within a single week. One of the neighbors, Pat Johnston, expressed a sense of dread living near the dilapidated structure: "I'm tired of living in fear," Johnston said.
City officials, including Councilmember Nithya Raman, have termed the situation a flagrant legal violation and escalated the matter with the Department of Building and Safety in hopes of swift enforcement actions. In a statement obtained by NBCLA, Raman's office has stated that Middleton had ignored an abatement order and property taxes have gone unpaid for several years, leading to the issuance of a lien on the home. With the city having to step in to erect fencing around the property after the owner's inaction, the efforts were quickly undermined as the "security measure was breached," according to the statement from Raman's office.
The mansion's woes extend beyond the property boundaries, as indicated by residents like Mateo Herrerros who told NBCLA, "The guys who come to tag, they're tagging other houses on other properties." The community yearns for resolution and perhaps even the demolition of the once majestic residence. "There was a rumor they were going to tear this house down," Johnston commented, encapsulating the sentiments of many in the neighborhood who seek to rid themselves of the derelict structure that casts a shadow over their homes.
