Indian-American doctor bids to rename LA's Oceanwide Plaza 'KPC Square'
Synopsis
An Indian-American surgeon fought off 90 rival bidders over more than five years to win control of LA's most prominent stalled development — and his first stated priority is flying the Indian flag at a property he plans to call KPC Square, complete with a Times Square-style New Year's ball drop, ahead of the 2028 LA Olympics.
Key Takeaways
Chaudhary , an Indian-American orthopaedic surgeon and entrepreneur, has won a court battle to acquire Oceanwide Plaza in downtown Los Angeles after more than five years of proceedings.
He plans to rename the development KPC Square and fly the Indian flag at the site as a symbol of the Indian diaspora's contribution to the US.
The proposed complex would feature a landmark spire , a New Year's Eve ball drop inspired by Times Square, and one of the world's largest wraparound LED displays .
Chaudhary defeated 90 rival bidders and described the victory as a win 'for all Indians.' The site is strategically located near Los Angeles's entertainment and convention district , with the city set to host the 2028 Olympic Games .
Chaudhary expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the completed development.
Indian-American orthopaedic surgeon and entrepreneur Dr Kali P. Chaudhary says his bid to acquire the long-stalled Oceanwide Plaza development in downtown Los Angeles is rooted in a singular ambition: to plant a permanent symbol of India in the heart of one of America's most prominent cities. Speaking in an exclusive interview in downtown Los Angeles on 24 July, Chaudhary said he plans to rename the property KPC Square — a tribute to both his Indian heritage and the country that gave him opportunity.
Five Years to Win the Bid
Chaudhary described a gruelling acquisition process that stretched over half a decade. 'It took me five years, two months, and 14 days. And day before yesterday, I won in the court after fighting with 90 suitor. It's not my win... win for all Indians,' he said. The Oceanwide Plaza site, which occupies a full city block in central Los Angeles, had been mired in legal proceedings and attracted dozens of competing buyers before Chaudhary secured it.
Vision for KPC Square
Chaudhary's plans for the redeveloped complex are ambitious. He envisions a landmark spire taller than existing structures on the site, a large-scale New Year's Eve ball drop modelled on New York's Times Square celebration, and one of the world's largest wraparound LED displays. He also stated his intent to fly the Indian flag at the property. 'I have to put Indian flag. Honest to God,' he said. 'You'll be there for 300 years. It's called KPC Square. And I'll put India flag.'
India's Pride and the Diaspora's Aspirations
Throughout the interview, Chaudhary framed the project as more than a commercial venture. 'We are first generation Indian. We have come here. God has been good. This country has been good to us. But we cannot forget our roots,' he said. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with elevating India's global standing and expressed hope that Modi would one day inaugurate the completed development. 'I like him to inaugurate this building. So he is our leader and is pathfinder for all Indians,' Chaudhary said. He also expressed confidence in India's long-term economic trajectory, predicting the country would become the world's second-largest economy within 30 years and ultimately the largest.
Why Oceanwide Plaza Matters
The Oceanwide Plaza site has remained unfinished for several years following a construction halt, making it one of the most conspicuous stalled developments in Los Angeles. Its location near the city's entertainment and convention district has drawn sustained attention, particularly as the city prepares to host the 2028 Olympic Games. A successful redevelopment would carry significant symbolic and economic weight for the broader revitalisation of central Los Angeles. Chaudhary, who trained as an orthopaedic surgeon before building a wider healthcare and business portfolio, described KPC Square as a legacy project that reflects both his personal journey and the collective aspirations of the Indian-American community.
India-US Ties and the Diaspora's Role
Indian Americans rank among the most economically successful immigrant communities in the United States, with a substantial presence across medicine, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship. Chaudhary acknowledged the dual identity that defines many first-generation immigrants. 'I'm very proud to be American... But I also cannot forget India. And I think at the end of the day, India and America should get together,' he said. If realised, KPC Square would stand as one of the most visible markers of Indian-American identity in the country's cultural landscape.
Point of View
But the harder question is whether KPC Square can actually get built where Oceanwide could not — the site's stalled status reflects deep structural challenges in LA's construction and financing environment, not merely a change in ownership. Flying the Indian flag and promising a Times Square-style ball drop are powerful symbolic gestures, yet the project's credibility will ultimately rest on construction timelines, financing disclosures, and city approvals, none of which have been detailed publicly. The 2028 Olympics deadline creates a genuine window of opportunity, but also a hard clock. The Indian-American diaspora deserves more than a landmark promise — it deserves a delivered one.
NationPress
24 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dr Kali P. Chaudhary and what is KPC Square?
Dr Kali P. Chaudhary is an Indian-American orthopaedic surgeon and entrepreneur who has won a court bid to acquire the long-stalled Oceanwide Plaza development in downtown Los Angeles. He plans to rename it KPC Square and develop it as a landmark complex featuring a spire, a New Year's Eve ball drop, and a large wraparound LED display — with the Indian flag prominently displayed.
How long did it take Chaudhary to win the Oceanwide Plaza bid?
Chaudhary says the process took five years, two months, and 14 days, during which he competed against approximately 90 rival bidders before securing the property through a court ruling.
Why has Oceanwide Plaza been unfinished for so long?
Construction on Oceanwide Plaza halted several years ago, leaving it as one of the most prominent stalled developments in downtown Los Angeles. The site became entangled in legal proceedings and attracted intense competition from dozens of prospective buyers before Chaudhary's court victory.
What is the significance of the site's location?
Oceanwide Plaza occupies a full city block in central Los Angeles, near the city's entertainment and convention district. Its redevelopment is considered important to the broader revival of downtown LA, particularly ahead of the city hosting the 2028 Olympic Games.
What did Chaudhary say about India's future and Prime Minister Modi?
Chaudhary predicted that India would become the world's second-largest economy within 30 years and eventually the largest. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership with raising India's global profile and expressed hope that Modi would personally inaugurate the completed KPC Square development.
