The Great Los Angeles Abandoned Building Census: Counting Creepy Crawlies and Broken Dreams
Ah, Los Angeles. The land of dreams, movie stars, and...abandoned buildings? That's right, folks, nestled between the Hollywood sign and overpriced avocado toast stands lies a hidden world: a forgotten city of vacant structures. But just how many of these architectural ghosts are there, haunting the LA landscape? Buckle up, conspiracy theorists and urban explorers, because we're diving into the murky depths of abandoned LA.
When Abandoned Isn't Chic: The Numbers Game (Maybe Not That Much of a Game)
Now, you might be thinking, "Isn't abandoned cool? Like, haven't you seen all those Instagram photos of, like, super artsy rooftops?" Sure, abandoned can be cool for a photoshoot (with permission, of course), but the reality is, these vacant buildings are often security hazards, magnets for trouble, and a stark reminder of economic woes.
Here's the thing: there isn't one, big, bold number out there that screams "This is how many abandoned buildings are in LA!" Why? Because apparently, classifying a building as "abandoned" is a whole bureaucratic shebang. Let's just say it involves more paperwork than getting a parking permit downtown.
However, we do have some clues! The Vacancy Report (sounds thrilling, right?) tells us there are over 46,000 vacant housing units in Los Angeles. That's a lot of empty spaces! News reports also love to highlight specific abandoned buildings, like the infamous Oceanwide Plaza, which has become a hotspot for...well, let's just say it's not a hotspot for tourists.
So, Like, Are We Talking Spooky Victorian Mansions or Just Empty Condos?
This is where things get interesting. Los Angeles has a rich (and sometimes wacky) history, so you might find a bit of everything in the abandoned department. We're talking:
- Forever-Empty Condos: Remember the housing market crash of 2008? Yeah, some fancy condo developments never quite recovered. Imagine, a building with ocean views but tumbleweeds for neighbors.
- Theatres with Faded Grandeur: Los Angeles loves its entertainment industry, but not every theatre makes it to the Oscars. These abandoned playhouses stand as silent testaments to dreams of stardom.
- Spooky Victorian Mansions (We Knew This Was Coming): LA has its fair share of creepy abandoned houses, perfect for those who enjoy a good ghost story (or a location shoot for a horror movie).
The Verdict: A City of Lost Potential (But Maybe Also Cool Backdrops for Your Next Instagram Post?)
Look, the abundance of abandoned buildings in LA is a serious issue. It points to problems with housing affordability, economic instability, and urban planning. But hey, if you're into urban exploration (safely and legally, of course!), there's a whole hidden world waiting to be discovered.
Just remember, while you're out there dodging falling plaster and questionable pigeons, these abandoned buildings are a reminder: even in the City of Angels, dreams don't always come true. But hey, at least they make for a killer Instagram post, right?
