After years of standing as one of downtown Los Angeles’ most recognizable eyesores, the so-called “graffiti towers” are finally showing signs of improvement. Crews hired by the new owner of the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza development have begun removing graffiti from sections of the buildings’ windows, marking the first visible phase of a long-awaited cleanup effort. KPC Group, which recently purchased the property, says barbed wire fencing will remain in place throughout the project to prevent unauthorized access. The company has also hired around-the-clock security officers to keep people from entering the site and adding more graffiti while work is underway. Members of a nearby neighborhood watch group say they are also assisting by monitoring the area and supporting security efforts. KPC Group expects the graffiti removal project to be completed in fewer than 90 days, bringing new hope that the abandoned high-rise development can eventually be restored and redeveloped.
