An incomplete condominium development in West Hollywood has become an unexpected habitat for a pack of coyotes, drawing attention from local residents and city officials. The property, located at the corner of Spaulding Avenue and Romaine Street, was originally slated to be a four-story building featuring 22 residential units. However, the project, which has been stalled since at least 2017, remains unfinished and abandoned.
Residents have observed the coyotes making use of the empty space, with the animals often seen sunbathing on the unfinished balconies and moving about the structure. The resident Paul Manganello described the nightly howling of the coyotes around 10 or 11 p.m. as a reminder of the area's connection to nature. “It’s not the worst thing in the world,” he said, noting the animals' presence has a certain fascination.
Not all neighbors share this sentiment. Some have voiced concerns about the disruption caused by the coyotes’ nighttime howling, which interferes with sleep. Pet owners in the community have also expressed worry about the safety of their cats and dogs, as coyotes are opportunistic feeders that can pose a threat to smaller animals. Cindy Sorley, another resident, called the abandoned site a "big eyesore," highlighting the ongoing frustration with the stalled development and its impact on the neighborhood.
The condominium project was intended to replace eight housing units across four parcels but appears to have lost momentum due to funding and development challenges. An Instagram account linked to the development has not been updated since July 2022, and at one point, the property was reportedly inhabited by unhoused individuals before the coyotes took residence.
In response to residents’ concerns, the City of West Hollywood has communicated with the property owner, urging action to address the situation. Officials stated that the owner is being required to hire a wildlife control operator who specializes in humane wildlife management to evaluate the site and propose appropriate measures. The city’s involvement underscores the need to manage urban wildlife while balancing community safety and animal welfare.
As the stalled project remains in limbo, the “coyote condo” has become an unconventional symbol of the intersection between urban development delays and local ecosystems adapting to human environments.
