Mayor Bass Announces Start of Oceanwide Plaza Cleanup, Revitalizing Downtown L.A.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass today announced the immediate commencement of graffiti removal and blight abatement at Oceanwide Plaza in Downtown L.A., following the confirmation hearing for the property's sale. The proposed buyer, KPC Development Co., has committed to undertaking comprehensive remediation work, expected to be completed within three months. This initiative represents a significant milestone in Mayor Bass's ongoing efforts to revitalize Downtown Los Angeles.

Mayor Bass emphasized the project's importance, stating, "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." She added that completing the project is "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." The City withdrew its objection to the modified bankruptcy plan after securing stronger commitments from the buyer, aiming for expedited remediation and construction progress before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Councilmember Ysabel Jurado welcomed the selection of KPC Development Co., noting it "represents a meaningful step forward and an opportunity to turn the page on a project that has remained unfinished for too long." She expressed anticipation for the graffiti removal and a clear plan to resume construction, envisioning the property transformed into a source of housing, jobs, investment, and economic opportunity for Downtown residents.

Nella McOsker, President and CEO of Central City Association, called it "an important next step in turning one of Downtown’s most visible symbols of blight into one of its greatest comeback stories." Ted Fikre, Vice Chairman of AEG, applauded Mayor Bass's leadership, highlighting the cleanup as a crucial first step for stakeholders and the city preparing for the 2028 Games. Cassy Horton of the DTLA Residents Association and Debra Shrout of the South Park Neighborhood Association also voiced their support, emphasizing the positive impact on public safety and economic recovery.

Oceanwide Plaza, located across from Crypto.com Arena and the Los Angeles Convention Center, has been unfinished since construction halted in 2019. Once completed, it is expected to provide new housing, a hotel, retail shops, and restaurants, stimulating economic activity. This announcement is part of Mayor Bass's broader strategy to enhance DTLA, which includes the L.A. Convention Center expansion, strategic LAPD deployments, and attracting major conferences and investments.