Squatters have taken over an abandoned Los Angeles mansion located at 7571 Mulholland Drive, which belongs to the son of Philadelphia Phillies owner, John S. Middleton. The property has been vacant for over a decade and has become a cause of concern for neighbors in the ritzy Hollywood Hills neighborhood. Squatters and taggers have been breaking onto the property over the past two years, leaving vibrant colored graffiti all over the house, with taggers even spreading their work to other properties in the area.
Neighbors in the upscale neighborhood have expressed fear for their safety, alleging that they have been subjected to abuse by squatters. Some claim that the taggers are beginning to target other properties in the area as well, bringing with them a disruptive element. Despite efforts by residents to call the police and have the squatters removed, they return shortly after being cleared out. The property has been declared a nuisance by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, leading to an abatement order that the owner, John Powers Middleton, failed to comply with.
The neglected mansion has become a public safety issue, with serious consequences for both residents and the surrounding community. Despite multiple efforts to address the issue, including the erection of a fence around the property, squatters and taggers continue to access the six-bedroom, 9,707-square-foot home. The mansion, estimated to be worth $6.53 million, has suffered extensive damage, with shattered windows and graffiti covering the exterior walls and roof. LA City Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office has vowed to escalate enforcement actions to address the situation urgently.
John S. Middleton owns the property, having purchased it in 2012, but the Phillies have confirmed that no other members of the family have ownership or involvement in the California land. Middleton is a significant shareholder in the Phillies, owning 48 percent of the team and serving as its “control person.” However, the abandoned mansion in Los Angeles has become a source of frustration for neighbors, who feel trapped in a situation where ongoing issues with squatters and taggers remain unresolved. Despite efforts by the city and law enforcement, the property continues to be a blight on the upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood.
