A lavish mansion in Los Angeles, California, belonging to John Powers Middleton, the son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has been plagued by squatters for over two years. The property, situated at 7571 Mulholland Drive in the affluent Hollywood Hills, has been unoccupied for more than ten years, attracting squatters and graffiti artists.
Once a beacon of luxury, the mansion is now adorned with colorful graffiti, including a large heart character and various artists’ signatures. The once immaculate property has become a concern for local residents, who worry about their safety and see the mansion as a blight on the neighborhood.
Residents have reported several instances of abuse, including an alleged assault on a homeowner by a suspected squatter armed with a steel rebar and a beer bottle. There have also been reports of graffiti artists targeting other properties in the vicinity.
Despite numerous calls to the police, the squatters persistently return to the property. “Every time we call, the police will come and they’ll clear it out, and then within an hour or two, five more people are there and staying the night,” a local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told local media.
In October 2022, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety declared the property a nuisance and issued an abatement order. The order required Middleton to secure the property and erect a fence. However, Middleton did not comply with the order, leading the city to install a fence. Despite these efforts, the squatters and graffiti artists continue to infiltrate the six-bedroom, 9,707-square-foot mansion, which is estimated to be worth $6.53 million.
The current state of the mansion has been described as a “public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community,” by LA City Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office. The office also stated that the owner is in “egregious violation of the law” and that they are working with the Department of Building and Safety to ensure swift and urgent enforcement.
The Philadelphia Phillies confirmed that the property is owned by John Powers Middleton and stated that no other family members have any ownership or involvement in the California properties.