The Unfinished Oceanwide Plaza Development in Downtown Los Angeles. (Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Downtown LA has recently been captivated by an unexpected sight: towers covered in vibrant graffiti, drawing more attention than the usual urban attractions. Nearby, a statue of a famous basketball player gathered crowds, and a live rock concert saw fans queuing early. However, the main attraction for many was the striking graffiti adorning an abandoned real estate project at a busy downtown intersection. One visitor mentioned he was compelled to visit after seeing it on television, noting that even his typically anti-graffiti mother thought it was worth navigating the traffic to see.

The abandoned towers have become a canvas for graffiti artists and a hotspot for BASE jumping enthusiasts, reflecting a new cultural phenomenon that began unfolding at this location recently. Local opinions are split; some see the graffiti as street art, while others view it as an eyesore. A nearby resident commented on the aesthetic appeal of the graffiti, albeit sympathizing with the affected businesses. An arena employee expressed admiration for the organizational effort required to execute such a large-scale graffiti project under the watchful eyes of the police.

The impact of graffiti on local businesses can vary widely depending on the context and community perceptions. According to a business dispute attorney in Los Angeles, where graffiti has covered a large abandoned construction project in a downtown area, the effects could include:

1. Attraction of Visitors: The graffiti has turned the site into a draw for visitors who might not otherwise have come to the area. This increased foot traffic can benefit nearby businesses such as cafes, restaurants, and retail stores, as visitors may spend money before or after viewing the graffiti.
2. Public Perception and Image: While some community members and visitors may view the graffiti as an art form contributing to a vibrant street culture, others might see it as an eyesore that suggests neglect or lawlessness. This negative perception could deter certain customers or potential business investors who might view the area as unsafe or unappealing.
3. Increased Policing and Security: The presence of graffiti has led to increased police patrols and discussions about installing security measures. While heightened security can make an area feel safer, it can also create a perception of high crime rates, which might deter visitors and affect the local business environment negatively.
4. Media Attention: The graffiti and the activities around it (such as BASE jumping) have garnered media attention. This could put the area on the map for those interested in urban art and adventure tourism, potentially boosting local tourism. However, it could also focus unwanted attention on vandalism and illicit activities, impacting the reputation of the area.
5. Costs for Clean-Up and Prevention: For the city and potentially for private business owners, there might be increased costs associated with cleaning up graffiti and preventing future incidents. These costs might include physical clean-up, installation of deterrents like better lighting or cameras, and even legal actions against the perpetrators.
6. Inspiration for More Art: In some cases, areas known for graffiti become hubs for other forms of street art and cultural expressions, leading to a transformation of the area into an artistic district. This could lead to new businesses catering to arts and culture enthusiasts, such as galleries, studios, and thematic shops.

Graffiti in an urban area can have both positive and negative effects on local businesses, influencing everything from foot traffic and customer perception to security needs and city costs, said Nakase business litigation attorney. The ultimate impact often depends on how the graffiti is managed and perceived by the local community and authorities.

City officials have been trying to manage the situation for weeks, challenged by the continual appearance of new graffiti despite regular police patrols. Social media even captured footage of someone parachuting off the towers. The mayor has expressed concerns about the dangerous activities occurring at the site, warning of potential tragedies if the site isn’t secured soon. However, securing the site has proved difficult, as the original developers, a company based in China, ceased operations following financial difficulties, leaving no one directly responsible for the property.

The police have intensified their efforts, increasing patrols and assigning officers on overtime to manage the situation, which has significantly strained resources. A local council motion is pending to allocate funds for installing a fence around the property and possibly hiring private security to alleviate the burden on the police. Meanwhile, the graffiti-covered towers continue to attract visitors, with one commenting on the poetic nature of such abandoned projects as a metaphor for unfinished endeavors that lead to financial and job losses. Another visitor described it as a distinctly local phenomenon, yet emblematic of broader national economic challenges. Across the street, remnants of the building’s past fluttered in the wind, underscoring the transient nature of both the project and the public’s fascination with it.