KPC Development cleans Oceanwide Plaza, ending years of graffiti
The unfinished Oceanwide Plaza in Downtown Los Angeles has been stripped of its tags, with a joint press conference scheduled for Thursday to mark the milestone.
By Marina Weber ·
Downtown Los Angeles has long struggled with visible signs of urban decay, but a major change occurred this week at the unfinished Oceanwide Plaza. The structure, known locally as the Graffiti Towers, has been cleaned.
Construction on the Oceanwide Plaza development stopped in 2019. For several years, the empty frame served as a canvas for taggers. As of Tuesday, KPC Development Co. reported that very little graffiti remains on the structure. The current appearance offers a stark contrast to the site's condition just months earlier in 2026.
City officials announced in late July that KPC, the prospective buyer, committed to immediate remediation work. Under this new ownership, the project is expected to eventually include housing, retail storefronts, a hotel, and restaurants. The cleanup represents a specific step in the area's revitalization efforts.
Teresa Y. Hillery, a downtown resident and founding board member of the Downtown Los Angeles Residents Association, visited the site recently. She described the structure as super clean. Hillery stated that the transformation means a lot to the downtown community and its economic recovery. Another worker in the area expressed similar optimism, noting that the project looks like it is being brought back to life.
This cleanup is part of a wider trend of renewal in the neighborhood. The historic Original Pantry Cafe, located half a mile away, is preparing to reopen later this month. The diner, which has served the city for over a century, closed in 2025. It will reopen through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Hope the Mission.
Rowan Vansleve, president of Hope the Mission, believes restoring these historic institutions is vital for Los Angeles. He cited the upcoming Olympics and Super Bowl as drivers for local development. Vansleve said that downtown landmarks are necessary anchors for visitors to the city.
Community leaders emphasize that removing graffiti is only the first step. Hillery and fellow board member Farah Bowers argue that sustained municipal investment is essential. Hillery listed specific needs for the neighborhood, including cleanliness, fixed sidewalks, trees, and better lighting. Bowers noted that the new mayor and city council are expected to implement changes that residents have advocated for over a long period.
A joint press conference is planned for Thursday morning to mark the graffiti abatement milestone. Council member Ysabel Jurado, representatives from the KPC Group, and other Los Angeles business and community stakeholders are set to speak about the ongoing development project.
