Mayor Bass Announces Initiation of Graffiti Removal and Blight Abatement for Oceanwide Plaza in Downtown L.A.

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Major Milestone in Mayor Bass' Work to Revitalize Downtown L.A.

LOS ANGELES - Mayor Karen Bass announced today that graffiti removal and blight abatement will now begin following today's confirmation hearing for the sale of Oceanwide Plaza. The proposed buyer has committed to immediately begin comprehensive remediation work, to be completed within three months. This marks a major milestone in Mayor Bass' ongoing efforts to revitalize Downtown Los Angeles and transform one of the city's most prominent developments.

"Oceanwide Plaza sits at the center of one of Downtown Los Angeles' most important economic corridors, linking the Convention Center, Crypto.com Arena, LA LIVE, and the broader South Park district," said Mayor Bass. "Completing this project is about far more than finishing a building - it's about restoring confidence, reconnecting a vital commercial corridor, and unlocking the economic potential of one of the city's most strategic destinations ahead of a transformative decade for Los Angeles. I look forward to an expedited closing and the proposed buyer delivering on their commitments."

After securing stronger commitments from the proposed buyer, the City withdrew its objection to the modified bankruptcy plan. While work remains to be done, the City determined that the commitments by the proposed buyer outlined in the confirmed plan provide an expedited path to remediate the site, restart construction, and make meaningful construction progress ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"The selection of KPC Development Co. represents a meaningful step forward and an opportunity to turn the page on a project that has remained unfinished for far too long," said Councilmember Ysabel Jurado. "As the sale process moves ahead, we look forward to seeing the graffiti removed and the development of a clear plan to resume and complete achievable construction. Downtown residents deserve to see this property transformed into a source of housing, jobs, investment, and economic opportunity that reflects the energy and promise of Downtown Los Angeles. My office will continue working collaboratively with City departments, the new ownership team, and community stakeholders to support steady progress, clear communication, and the successful completion of this long-awaited project."

"This is an important next step in turning one of Downtown's most visible symbols of blight into one of its greatest comeback stories," said Nella McOsker, President and CEO of Central City Association. "We expect new ownership to be a good neighbor and immediately remediate blight conditions, and we need the City to continue its work to cut red tape so that Oceanwide can restart construction and deliver a project that Angelenos deserve."

"We applaud Mayor Bass for her leadership and determination in seeking a commitment from the proposed purchaser of Oceanwide Plaza for the immediate cleanup and blight abatement of this long-stalled project," said Ted Fikre, Vice Chairman, AEG. "The removal of graffiti and the effective remediation of the unacceptable conditions impacting streets and sidewalks around this site is an important first step for both neighboring downtown stakeholders and the City at large as it prepares to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

"This is a major milestone for Downtown Los Angeles," said Cassy Horton, Co-founder of the DTLA Residents Association."Residents have been advocating tirelessly for public safety and economic recovery. Oceanwide blight and vandalism sends the wrong signal about our neighborhood, and it's gone on for too long. We're thankful to the Mayor for championing a solution that balances the community's immediate and long-term needs."

"For years, our community has had to live with the graffiti at Oceanwide Plaza as a constant reminder of what was holding Downtown back," said Debra Shrout, Board Chair of the South Park Neighborhood Association. "This is an important step forward to revitalize the economic heartbeat of Los Angeles. With the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games right around the corner, we look forward to seeing DTLA demonstrate the best of Los Angeles on the world stage."

Located across from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center, Oceanwide Plaza has remained unfinished since construction halted in 2019. Once completed, the project is expected to deliver new housing, a hotel, retail shops, restaurants, and spur significant economic activity in the heart of Downtown.

Today's announcement is the latest step in Mayor Bass' comprehensive strategy to revitalize DTLA by reducing blight, improving public safety, attracting investment, creating housing and jobs, and preparing the City to welcome the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• Last year, Mayor Bass joined Downtown L.A. stakeholders, labor leaders, and elected officials to officially start the expansion and modernization of the L.A. Convention Center - an economic engine for L.A. that will generate more than 15,000 jobs and draw in more than $150 million in additional visitor spending each year.

• Mayor Bass also announced a strategic LAPD deployment in Downtown LA including a combination of patrol cars, horse patrols, foot patrols, and undercover units to protect everyone who lives in and visits the Downtown L.A. area.

• The LA Convention Center has secured more than a dozen conferences due to the ongoing modernization and revitalization efforts, which are expected to bring more than 100,000 visitors Downtown and generate $242 million in economic impact.

• Mayor Bass also recognized Banc of California's new move to lease 40,000 square feet in Downtown Los Angeles and add its signage to its historic skyline as a major boost for Downtown Los Angeles' continued resurgence and the region's economy.