Hollywood Hills Mansion, Once Vandalized by Squatters, Re-enters Market for $4.4 Million
The 11,152-square-foot estate, infamous for graffiti and repeated occupation, has been renovated and listed for sale.
A Hollywood Hills mansion that gained notoriety for extensive graffiti and repeated squatting incidents has been cleaned and placed on the market for $4.4 million. The 11,152-square-foot estate at 1754 Sunset Plaza Drive, formerly owned by John Powers Middleton, son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, became a neighborhood nuisance due to repeated vandalization.
The six-bedroom, twelve-bathroom residence features sweeping views of Los Angeles, an elevator, a ballroom, two gourmet kitchens, and a spa room. The primary suite includes dual bathrooms and closets and opens onto one of the property's two pools. Photos of the recently cleaned home showcase its ornate exterior with arches and stone fencing.
Neighbors had expressed frustration over the property's condition. In September 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department reported responding to 17 calls for service on the 1700 block of Sunset Plaza Drive that year. Another vacant property owned by Middleton in the same area had also been occupied by squatters and vandalized with graffiti.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman criticized Middleton for the state of his properties, calling it a public safety issue. In response, Middleton issued a statement in September 2024 apologizing to the city and its residents. He pledged to compensate community members for any expenses incurred due to his properties and to repay any taxpayer funds used for securing the homes and covering tax bills. Middleton, a film producer, stated his accountability for the situation, regardless of its causes.