What's the deal with the hot pink houses in Mid-City LA?

There’s been a lot of discussion lately concerning three freshly painted bungalow-style houses in Los Angeles’ Mid-City neighborhood. Located at the corner of 1500 Hi Point St., the homes and some of their surrounding shrubbery now boast a vibrant Pepto Bismol pink — which has neighbors raising eyebrows.

Local artist Matty Mo, nicknamed “The Most Famous Artist,” and his company The Mural Agency were hired by M-Rad, an architecture firm based in Culver City, to paint the houses in hopes of drawing attention to the block. The three vacant homes will be demolished in order to make way for a new 45-unit apartment complex.

Brad Kane, the president of the Pico Neighborhood Council, told Curbed that the paint stunt was done without alerting any of the residents in the community. Representatives from M-Rad argued that the hot pink houses was a tactic to deter homeless occupants from squatting inside the homes while the developer awaited permit approval. 

Two companies have already taken advantage of the property’s increased attention. The clothing company called Social Civilian recently did an Instagram photoshoot using the pink backdrop. Meanwhile, LAist reported that a Los Angeles wine company called Nomadica held an event with Matty Mo to celebrate National Rose Day and promote their new rosé.

The homes are set for demolition in July.