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The short version

  • The expansion adds 30,000 square feet of park space, 200 trees, and flood-reducing landscaping to the five-acre campus.
  • Created by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia between 1921 and 1954, the towers are a National Historic Landmark.
  • The project follows years of funding challenges and recent recognition by the World Monuments Fund as an irreplaceable site.

The Watts Towers in Los Angeles will undergo a significant campus expansion and renovation project valued at $22 million. Scheduled to conclude ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, the initiative aims to enhance the area surrounding the iconic folk art installation. The project includes adding more than 30,000 square feet of park space, planting approximately 200 trees, and installing new walkways. Officials emphasize that the landscaping will also incorporate features designed to reduce flooding and provide cooling benefits for visitors and residents alike.

Created by Sabato “Simon” Rodia between 1921 and 1954, the towers are constructed from tiles, glass, pottery fragments, and found objects. Rodia, an Italian immigrant who worked in Pennsylvania coal mines, built the structures over three decades. The site has faced bureaucratic scrutiny since its inception, including a failed demolition attempt in 1959 that was halted after engineering tests confirmed structural integrity. Designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1965 and a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1990, the towers have become symbols of neighborhood resilience, particularly following the Watts uprising later that year.

News Journal

Securing funds for repairs has been difficult, with the expansion project taking about twelve years to develop. Recently, the World Monuments Fund named the site one of ten irreplaceable heritage locations in the U.S., highlighting its cultural significance. Mayor Karen Bass stated the investment honors the legacy of Watts while serving future generations. Rosie Lee Hooks, director of the arts center campus, noted that despite lingering perceptions of the area, the community remains rich in culture and determination to preserve this unique landmark.

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Go to the original reporting

  • Smithsonian Magazine↗The Iconic Watts Towers in Los Angeles Will Get a $22 Million Campus Expansion Ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics