A luxurious mansion in Los Angeles, owned by John Powers Middleton, son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has been overrun by squatters for over two years. The property, located at 7571 Mulholland Drive in the upscale Hollywood Hills, has been vacant for more than a decade, becoming a magnet for squatters and graffiti artists.
The mansion, once a symbol of opulence, is now covered in vibrant graffiti, featuring a towering heart character and various artists’ names and initials. The once-pristine property has become a source of concern for neighbors, who fear for their safety and view the mansion as a neighborhood blight.
Local residents have reported multiple instances of abuse, including an alleged attack on a homeowner by a suspected squatter wielding a steel rebar and beer bottle. Some residents have also reported that the graffiti artists have started to target other properties in the area.
Despite numerous calls to the police, the squatters continue to 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 neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, told local media.
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety declared the property a nuisance in October 2022 and issued an abatement order, requiring Middleton to secure the property and erect a fence. However, Middleton failed to comply with the order, prompting the city to install a fence. Despite these measures, the squatters and graffiti artists continue to access the six-bedroom, 9,707-square-foot mansion, which is estimated to be worth $6.53 million.
The mansion’s current state 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.