The last decade has seen the rise of super-tall, ultra-luxury skyscrapers overlooking Central Park, also known as billionaires’ row.
These sleek buildings have transformed the New York City skyline and properties there are valued regularly in excess of $100 million.
But who lives in New York’s, and arguably the world’s, most exclusive real estate? Many wish to keep their acquisitions anonymous by buying the properties through companies or other holdings. Some, however, have gone public with their purchases.
Have a look at some of the billionaires who call billionaires’ row home.
Credit: Paul Elledge.
In 2019, Kenneth C. Griffin purchased a four-floor penthouse in 220 Central Park West for $238 million, the most expensive home ever sold in the US. The American hedge fund manager is known for his expensive tastes and is said to own an art collection worth more than $800 million, including a Jean-Michel Basquiat worth more than $100 million. According to Forbes, Griffin’s net worth is currently $25.5 billion.
In 2015, Bill Ackman purchased one of the most expensive homes ever to be sold in New York City. For $91.5 million, the luxury two-story apartment on the 75th and 76th floors of One57 (157 57th Street) boasts a private fitness centre, yoga studio, a performance and screening room and even a 40-foot aquarium.
Credit: King of Hearts.
Ackman intends to resell the property for a profit. Forbes estimates Ackman’s net worth to be $3.1 billion.
Credit: Jean Herodes.
Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai purchased two full-floor apartments in 220 Central Park South for $157 million making him Kevin C. Griffin’s neighbour. The Taiwanese-Canadian businessman also owns the NBA team the Brooklyn Nets. Although he holds Hong Kong and Canadian citizenship, he once told The New York Post that New York was his “second home.” Tsai is worth $9 billion.
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Billionaires’ row existed before the construction of super-tall luxury skyscrapers. The New Classical style, 15 Central Park West, has been home to A-list celebrities such as Robert DeNiro, Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg.
It has been called the world’s most powerful address. Spanx founder Sara Blakely bought two condos there with her husband, Marquis Jet’s founder Jesse Itzler, for a mere $14.7 million.
Credit: Gillian Zoe Segal.
They then sold one of the units for $30 million in 2014. Blakely is also a philanthropist and, in 2013, became the first female billionaire to sign the Melinda and Bill Gates’ and Waren Buffet giving pledge, promising to give half of her wealth to charity.
Blakely is worth $1.1 billion according to Forbes.
As construction continues on even more super-tall, ultra-luxury apartments in New York’s billionaires’ row, the trend of buying high-end properties either for a home or as an investment is likely to continue. According to CNBC, 90 per cent of the properties in 220 Central Park South have been sold.