Philadelphia Phillies co-owner John S. Middleton likely cringed when news broke about his son, John Powers Middleton, and the state of his Los Angeles properties. Reports surfaced detailing how one of John Powers Middleton’s $6 million mansions had become a haven for squatters and a canvas for graffiti artists. Incredibly, it turns out John Powers Middleton owns not one, but two abandoned mansions in LA, both falling into disrepair and attracting unwanted attention.
Intrigued by these reports, and while in Los Angeles to witness Penn State’s victory over USC, a visit was made to one of the John Powers Middleton properties to see the situation firsthand.
@noshortsusaGraffiti Mansion in LA. #philly#phillies (this is for entertainment and educational purposes, i am a professional paid actor, this is a movie set)
Upon arrival at the John Powers Middleton mansion, the presence of security was immediately apparent. A guard, described more like a park ranger in demeanor, approached to restrict close-up filming. From the street, it was noticeable that some graffiti had been removed, suggesting attempts at cleanup. Efforts to capture drone footage were hampered by legal restrictions, preventing closer aerial views than 900 feet.
The motivation behind removing the graffiti appears questionable, as the property had reportedly been freshly painted just weeks prior, only to be vandalized again by the weekend’s end. This suggests a recurring cycle of defacement, hinting at the allure these abandoned luxury homes hold for graffiti artists in Los Angeles. This trend is not isolated, as evidenced by a downtown high-rise in LA similarly covered in graffiti, which has ironically become a local tourist attraction.
The real victims in this scenario are the neighbors of John Powers Middleton’s neglected properties. Observing a resident collecting mail during the visit highlighted their predicament. These homeowners invested in prestigious Hollywood Hills real estate, only to find themselves living next door to properties attracting crowds and vandalism. In a statement to the New York Post’s Mary K. Jacob, John Powers Middleton issued an apology, acknowledging the situation:
I would like to apologize to the people of Los Angeles, and especially to my neighbors. What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses.
In conclusion, the situation surrounding John Powers Middleton’s abandoned mansions paints a picture of neglect and disregard for the surrounding community. While an apology has been issued, the ongoing issues of squatters and graffiti highlight the challenges of managing luxury real estate from afar and the impact such neglect can have on local neighborhoods. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with property ownership, particularly in affluent areas like the Hollywood Hills.
