Located at 84 William Street in Manhattan’s Financial District, AKA Wall Street is AKA’s first downtown Manhattan property, and the very first all-residential luxury hotel to hit New York City’s downtown area.

The 17-story building housing AKA Wall Street features a pre-war façade made of rusticated white marble, terra cotta, and brick in the style of classic English Baroque architecture. There are 132 roomy units, which include studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and penthouse suites, ranging in size from 362 square feet to 1,103 square-feet.

“Affluent travelers want more than a bed and a mini-bar,” says AKA’s president Larry Korman. “We provide them with a place where they can feel at home in the world wherever they go.  With the renaissance of FiDi, AKA Wall Street is poised to satisfy the need for hotel residences downtown.”

With ovens, microwaves, and half-size refrigerators, every kitchen is fully equipped and boasts state-of-the-art appliances, as well as stainless-steel Celador countertops and custom-made Italian cabinetry. Units also include living areas, spacious closets, and high-speed WiFi.

Guests staying at AKA Wall Street will have access to a spectacular rooftop, a state-of-the-art outdoor cinema that can be reserved for screenings, a lounge, a conference room, a fitness center with high-tech Technogym equipment, and curated art throughout.

AKA Wall Street has a resident services crew that is dedicated to providing a personalized and authentic New York City experience and will offer access to “world-class as well as street-grown cultural, dining and shopping experiences,” such as the best tickets and restaurant reservations the city has to offer, and world-renowned parks, museums, and shopping.

For more information on any of the AKA properties visit here.

Images courtesy of AKA

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Sometime in 2015, Taylor Swift added a nine-bedroom, eight-and-a-half-bathroom duplex apartment to her extensive collection of homes. The $20-million-dollar pad with 2,000 square feet of terrace space is located in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood and was the former home of filmmaker Peter Jackson. For some reason or another, the multimillion-dollar abode requires some work, and will undergo a yearlong renovation. While the pop princess awaits the competition of her pricey pad, she’ll be renting an apartment in the West Village for $39,500 per month.

Swift’s temporary home at 23 Cornelia Street is a 5,400-square-foot, four-floor town house. Constructed in the 1890s, it features a 1912 brick exterior. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom, residence with double height ceilings and a multilevel patio has an indoor pool, a private garage, three fireplaces, a white marble staircase, and an elevator. According to the listing, the town house, which was last sold over a decade ago for $5,300,500, is “a perfect balance of historic charm and modern allure.”

T-Swifts’ habit for buying uber-luxurious homes is almost comparable to her knack for turning out multiplatinum albums. With multimillion-dollar residences in California, Nashville, and Westerly, Rhode Island, it is estimated that she owns somewhere around $70 million in property.

Images courtesy of Streeteasy.com

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There’s a new residential development called Inkwell that will soon be introduced to New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, and the site that will house the new development was once a place of learning.

Inkwell’s address will be 520 West 45th Street, which at one point was the address of Elementary School PS51. The boutique condominium project, housed in a pre-war building with a brick façade, will feature five stories, as well as amenities such as a gym with an outdoor lounge and storage spaces.

Developed by Gotham Organization, Inkwell will so far be the only condominium project in New York City that has been designed by the design and concept firm AvroKO. The award-winning firm specializes in the “disciplines of architecture, furniture, lighting, graphics, and branding.”

There will be 18 apartments throughout the condominium, with16 units having two bedrooms while the other two units feature three bedrooms. The two-bedroom units will offer between 1,200 and 1,400 square feet of space, with prices beginning at $1.78 million. Prices for the 1,900-square-foot, three-bedroom apartments are slated to start at $2.75 million.

Elements of the Inkwell building’s past will be visible throughout the building, with areas such as the kitchen and powder room featuring blackboards, which are, of course, synonymous with classrooms.

Both the kitchens and bathrooms will be equipped with bespoke light fixtures and soapstone countertops that have a marble backsplash. High ceilings heights; oversized windows; black walnut floors; custom cabinetry, lighting, and furniture; stainless Viking appliances; and Bosch compact washer and condensation dryers will also be featured throughout the Inkwell apartments. Gas fireplaces and private gardens will be exclusive to certain units.

“Inkwell offers buyers uniquely designed residences, situated in one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city,” says David L. Picket, president of Gotham Organization.

Sales, which will be managed exclusively by Brown Harris Stevens Development Marketing, are expected to launch towards the end of the summer. The building is scheduled for completion some time in the fall of 2016.

More information on Inkwell can be found here.

Image courtesy of Relevance New York

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A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in Minneapolis that’s being touted as "rare" is currently up for grabs. This is the first time the million-dollar property has been on the market since being built in 1960.

Positioned on a hillside, this one-level house with a brick exterior and located on an extremely private 3.77-acre lot isn’t a far ride from downtown Minneapolis.

The single-family home has eight rooms in all, including three bedrooms, one-and-a-half bathrooms, a vaulted great room, a family room, and a fireplace. The 2,647-square-foot Wright construction features floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views of the surrounding area, as well as built-in seating, shelving, and cabinetry, and wooden fixtures.

Though Wright designed the once-in-a-lifetime property in 1958, it wasn’t until after his death that the home was completed. Frank Lloyd Wright died at the age of 91 in April of 1959.

Images courtesy of Coldwell Banker

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The ever-busy Jennifer Lopez, who just wrapped up the second leg of her Vegas residency while also starring in and serving as an executive producer on the hit NBC crime drama, Shades of Blue, has been keeping busy on the real estate front also. Her most recent real estate move was purchasing a discounted California mansion.

Jenny from the block’s new address is in Bel-Air, and though her move comes with a hefty $28 million price tag, it’s a steal. The original price for the property, which was first listed in September of last year, was $40 million.

The eight-acre estate with seven bedrooms and 13 bathrooms throughout, also includes the main house, along with a couple of guest cottage houses––one has been converted into a art studio, an outdoor amphitheater that can sit at least 100 people, 10 fireplaces, multiple waterfalls and koi ponds, a miniature golf course, a stone cabana and terraces, and a swimming pool.

Sometime during the 1940s is when the main home with 14,000-square-feet of space was built. It now features a home theater that fits 30 movie-goers, a kitchen with walls made of stone and a skylight, a massage room, and a pub.

JLo is taking the mega-estate off of the hands of another celebrity. Actress Sela Ward, known to many for her role on CSI: N.Y., and her husband Howard Sherman have owned the property for over 10 years now. It only cost them $3.8 million. Over the years, the Independence Day: Resurgence star and her husband decorated and redesigned the home relying on architectural inspirations from Europe, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

According to The Los Angeles Times, Lopez currently has a $12.5 million property in Hidden Hills on the market.

Images courtesy of the Los Angeles Times

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After months of looking for a prospective buyer, Hugh Hefner has finally found someone to purchase the legendary Playboy Mansion, and it happens to be his next door neighbor.

Daren Metropoulos is under contract to buy the Playboy Mansion. The 32-year-old principal at private-equity firm Metropoulos & Co also owns the adjacent property, which he purchased around seven years ago.

Sources close to the deal say the Mansion will sell for “nine digits” and will set a record for the highest-priced residential sale in Los Angeles. Multiple potential buyers expressed interest in the estate. According to The Wall Street Journal, properties with such a high asking price can go years without being sold. It only took about five months for the Playboy Mansion to be taken off of the market.

The estate, which is said to be “long past its prime,” is obviously in need of some upgrades, according to Hilton & Hyland’s president Jeffrey Hyland. Two Hilton & Hyland brokers assisted in the selling of the listing.

Back in January, TMZ reported that the infamous six-acre property would be shopped for a whopping $200 million. TMZ’s sources with knowledge of the neighboring real estate market had projected that the property would sell for far less than Hefner and team were asking for. According to those sources, the value wasn’t in the Playboy Mansion itself, but instead it was in the lot that the famous 21,987-square-foot house sits on. Lots with a similar acreage had been sold for around $60 million, but with the history attached to the Playboy Mansion, it was projected that the mansion would go for anywhere between $80 million and $90 million.

Located in Los Angeles’ Holmby Hills area, the estate was built in 1927 and has long had a place in pop culture. Some of the biggest stars and celebrities of the last several decades have gathered there for parties and events. The home that now features 22 rooms, a wine cellar, a basketball court, and of course, the famed grotto, was purchased by Playboy Enterprises in the early 1970s for a little over $1.05 million.

Though the Playboy Mansion will soon be under the ownership of Metropoulos, it doesn’t seem like he is expected to be moving in anytime soon. It was announced earlier this year that whoever would be buying the property would be required to give Hef the opportunity to continue to live on the property until his death. A representative for Metropoulos claims that once Hef is no longer a resident of the estate, the Mansion’s new owner plans to combine the Playboy Mansion and it’s neighboring estate to create a 7.3-acre compound.

Images courtesy of Hilton & Hyland

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Before obtaining the international acclaim that follows being the star of a mega-successful film franchise such as Harry Potter, Daniel Radcliffe was a regular child just like the rests of us. The house that he lived in prior to his Harry Potter fame is now on sale.

On the market for £1.45 million, the home features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has been renovated since the days that pre-teen Radcliffe and his family called it home and is now a luxury modern home.

An exposed brickwork wall that has been outfitted with several vibrant artworks can be found in a kitchen/dining area, which leads a private garden. There is also a converted loft and a double reception room at the movie star’s former address.

Located in West London, the townhouse is said to be the home Radcliffe lived in when he assumed the role of everyone’s favorite wizard. He and his family moved as his bubbling career began to take off.

The property isn’t completely magical though. It “backs onto a cemetery,” according to The Mirror. "Some [viewers] say it would give them the heebie-jeebies," according to the agent representing the property.

The 26-year-old Radcliffe's, who now resides in New York, is back to playing with magic, as he is starring in the recently released, Now You See Me 2.

Images courtesy of the Mirror UK

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To many fans, Michael Jackson is the reigning King of Pop, and this Las Vegas mansion he rented for several years that housed him and his children was fit for royalty.

The mega-mansion, which first hit the market a few years ago and was accompanied by a $19.5 million price tag, was rented by the “Thriller” singer until his untimely passing in 2009. Nicknamed the "Thriller Villa," the now $9.5 million estate includes a 24,276-square-foot main house, a 2,983-square-foot guest house, and a chapel with a painted sky roof and seating for 70 people.

There are seven bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, as well as stunning furnishings and wooden paneling found throughout the 1.7-acre property. The full-floor master bedroom comes with both a wet bar and a fireplace. The basement, which is accessible via an outdoor tunnel, features a private art gallery and hidden vault. A plush salon, courtyard with a fountain, and generous outdoor space can also be found throughout the lavish property. Housing paintings of MJ and replicas of art pieces that were found at his "Neverland Ranch," which is also on the market for $100 million, the Thriller Villa is said to be a tribute to the Moon Walker.

Reportedly, this Vegas mansion is a place that the very private Jackson relied on when wanting to keep his children out of the lime-light. It was originally constructed in Mexico sometime during the 1950s, and then transported piece-by-piece to where it currently resides.

Images courtesy of The Mirror

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Located at 641 Fifth Avenue, the Olympic Tower is often regarded as one of New York City’s finest luxury condominiums. A penthouse found on the 50th and 51st floors of the world-renown tower has recently been listed by Corcoran for $35 million.

The 9,450-square-foot duplex apartment houses eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and two half bathrooms, as well as an eat-in kitchen, grand living room, a laundry room, and a library/den.

The eat-in kitchen is accompanied by a collection of professional grade stainless steel appliances and a pantry, while the mansion’s den comes with a wood-burning fireplace and a 16-foot skylight. There are two master suites equipped with huge walk-in closets, with one closet being the size of a bedroom; dressing rooms; Whirlpool Jacuzzi tubs; and saunas.

“Opulent entertaining areas,” spacious rooms, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer incredible views of Rockefeller Center and St. Patrick's Cathedral are also found throughout the magnificent home.

Maurizio Gucci purchased the duplex apartment during the 1970s. His two daughters, Alessandra and Allegra Gucci, currently own the magnificent home.

Images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

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Seth Semilof, Russell Galbut, Carlos Rosso, Gil Dezer, Jorge Pérez, Camille Douglas, Ugo Colombo, Edgardo Defortuna, Kamal Hotchandani

The third panel discussion during Haute Residence’s annual Miami Luxury Real Estate & Design Summit, which took place Friday, May 13, at 1 Hotel & Homes in Miami Beach, was the "Visual Developers" panel. Moderated by political strategist and consultant, Seth Gordon, featured the likes of Ugo Colombo (CMC Group), Edgardo Defortuna (Fortune International Group), Gil Dezer (Dezer Development), Camille Douglas (Lefrak Organization), Russell Galbut (Crescent Heights), and Carlos Rosso (Related Group), who spoke about current trends in luxury real estate, personal success stories, and what’s next for Miami’s real estate market. The unanimous agreement seemed to fall in the fact that development in Miami was heading North and leaning toward further urbanization.

Seth Gordon: Where will the next area of development, in your mind, occur?

"I think Fort Lauderdale will have a lot of great potential." - Ugo Colombo

Ugo Colombo: I think Fort Lauderdale will have a lot of great potential.

Edgardo Defortuna: If you want to be on the beach, it has to be north. We’re doing a great project in Fort Lauderdale. It’s having really great results… We just have to educate the foreign buyer to try to go a little bit north, because of the lack of inventory in the beach areas.

Gil Dezer: North is really the only way to go. We have physical boundaries to the West. To the South, you have the Keys and then the Everglades, so north is really the only place to go for expansion.

Camille Douglas: I think what we’re going to see in Miami is more urbanization around transportation. I think the city and county have to get their act together, as well as the federal government to whatever is needed, so they can provide some mass transportation going north and going west.

Russell Galbut: Brickell may be tied up, but if you come over to the Biscayne Corridor, where you have the George and the Frost Museum and the performing arts center, there is literally tens and tens of thousands of units that can be built in that area.

Carlos Rosso: Although we are in Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, we are also in Brickell Heights and Coconut Grove. We still think that there are still a lot of places where we can do luxury development.

Seth Gordon: The media is fixated on this phenomenon, this hot news that’s coming out of Panama called the “Panama Papers.” We’re all holding our breaths and don't know what the consequence of this will be. It’s created suspicion about how the real estate market is funded. Have any of you felt any impact from this?

Galbut: What’s really crazy about this is that we have not really felt the repercussions of this yet. I have a suspicion that each and every one of us in this room will feel it eventually.

Rosso: It really hasn’t affected our business as much.

Defortuna: It’s somewhat scaring people away from creating a company, because the perception is if you have a Panamanian company now, you are a criminal. It really needs to be put into perspective, and certainly, we need to navigate through those waters, but I think people are used to that already, and they're going to get more and more comfortable with it. I don’t think it has affected any of the closings we have had so far.

Douglas: I think this whole issue is more of a blessing in disguise––the fact that Miami attracts foreign buyers from all over the world, and is now in the newspaper where you read about London, New York, and Miami as world-class cities that's attracting all this foreign capital.

Carlos Rosso, Russell Galbut, Camille Douglas, Gil Dezer, Edgardo Defortuna, and Ugo Colombo

Seth Gordon: After years of anticipation about the potential of Chinese investment, it has now begun… What do you all think about that potential? The earlier panel said that would play a major part in our market in the years ahead, how do you all feel about that?

Douglas: Individuals and institutions have saved a lot of money and actually, there is not an investable universe in China to absorb all the invested dollars, and prices are actually very high. So all these people are actually looking at our yield and its looking attractive… They see the United States as being a haven for this money.

Defortuna: I don’t think there will be too many developers coming from China, but certainly the buyer pool is going to grow substantially in the next few years.

"...A community needs to be created here that's going to be attractive for Chinese to come." – Gil Dezer

Dezer: I think the Chinese is a community that likes to stay with their own people, so a community needs to be created here that's going to be attractive for Chinese to come.

Seth Gordon: What’s going to come next? What's the next thing that’s going to distinguish your project from the guy sitting next to you?

Dezer: We’re actually focusing on the consumer and looking at what they want and what they like, and really building buildings around what they’re looking for in terms of floor plans and amenities.

Galbut: Design and art, there is no substitute for. Everything we build has to have real quality and design, and real contribution to the community. But the question is what is the next big step, and some of that for us is really technology, because our big communities are built in cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago, where there are young people, who are very much into technology. Believe it or not, these buildings have become so sophisticated… I am going to suggest that that will become a very much part of every new building in the near future. It's not just how you control the temperature in your apartment, but now it's how you control your life 24/7.

Defortuna: The buyer today is seemingly more sophisticated than those of a few years ago, and they have attention to detail. They are very focused on service. Many people have listed service and how everything they care about is important. They are really looking at the overall––not only floor plans, but all amenities.

"I think it's just an interesting sort of sidebar as an amenity to have an adequate and technologically accessible package area" – Camille Douglas

Camille Douglas: One interesting sidebar to this is the disruption in retailing between shopping and Amazon, basically. One of the things we have been dealing with is the plethora of packages that are now being delivered and how big does the package room have to be. I think it's just an interesting sort of sidebar as an amenity to have an adequate and technologically accessible package area.

Photo Credit: David Heischrek / DHPA

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Nestled naturally into the undulating landscape of Wine Country, this estate was created over time and feels as much a part of the terrain as the trees and vineyards that surround it. Though the approximately 5,500-square-foot-residence takes its inspiration from timeless Old World villas with warm stucco walls draped in emerald ivy, rugged barrel-tiled rooflines, Venetian plaster surfaces, decorative wrought-iron accents, regal French doors, and clerestory windows - it is decidedly contemporary, with clean modern lines found throughout the sophisticated interiors with iconic views.

Anchored by a main level that includes a majestic great room and a superior kitchen, the three-bedroom home, with a wine cellar, a gym, and a lavishly outfitted media room on the lower level. As the land gently rolls downhill, it reveals a truly stunning view of the approx. 23 vibrant acres, vines and mountains in the distance.

Indoor and outdoor living are inextricably linked here. Bathed in gentle northern light, the master suite is accompanied by a secret garden and a secluded spa hidden behind a stone wall. Extending the living spaces of the main residence is a marvelous raised terrace ideal for both tranquil relaxation and the grandest of entertaining. The olive lined paths leads to the alluring swimming pool and its sunny terra-cotta-hued terrace which is overlooked by an inviting, one-bedroom guesthouse.

The manicured property is sustainable and autonomous, with raised garden beds, a family fruit orchard and 60 olive trees. Premium certified organic grapes - approximately three acres of Zinfandel and approximately seven acres Syrah – are included, with two wells and solar panels that provide 100 percent of the estate’s power. The detached two-car garage includes a Tesla powering station and an additional stone parking area blends into the landscape with stone walls and crystal clear fountains. The enveloping land also offers dedicated open space and equestrian trails.

$9,950,000
Glen Ellen, CA, 95442
3 Bedrooms
4 Full Bathrooms

View full listing here.

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The Obamas have found their post-White House home.

Built in 1928, the mansion was renovated about five years ago and is said to be worth at least $5 million, with estimates going upwards of $6 million. The 8,200-square-foot house boasts at least eight bedrooms and eight-and-a-half spa bathrooms, as well as “spacious rooms with hardwood floors, white marble countertops, his-and-her master bathrooms and a terrace with formal gardens.” Though the garage seems to only have space for two cars, an additional eight to 10 vehicles can be housed throughout the gated courtyard.

The multi-level estate is in Washington, D.C.’s Kalorama neighborhood. Considered to be one of D.C.’s wealthiest ZIP codes, Kalorama has seen the likes of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Donald H. Rumsfeld, William Howard Taft, and many other high-ranking politicians call it home. The Obamas plan to stay residents of D.C. at least until 2018. That will be when Sasha, the youngest daughter of the President and First Lady, will be ready to graduate high school.

The future Obama residence is currently owned by Joe Lockhart, a former press secretary and senior adviser to Bill Clinton, who is now the NFL’s executive vice president for communications.

The soon-to-be-former-President, who owns a home in Chicago, won’t be far from his former house, since his new abode is only about two miles away from the White House.

Images are courtesy of Redfin

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Los Angeles, CA, 90027
$6,545,000
6 Bedrooms
7 Bathrooms

View full listing here.

The post Sotheby’s International Realty: Captivating and Elegant English Norman Estate appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The second panel discussion during Haute Residence’s annual Miami Luxury Real Estate & Design Summit, which took place Friday, May 13, at 1 Hotel & Homes in Miami Beach was the "Power Brokers" panel discussion. Moderated by Ina Cordle of The Real Deal South Florida, and the panelists were Alicia Cervera (Cervera Real Estate), Nelson Gonzalez (EWM Realty International), Rex Hamilton (Rex Hamilton Corporation), Dora Puig (Luxe Living Realty), Jay Parker (Douglas Elliman), Phil Spiegelman (International Sales Group), Jorge Uribe (ONE Sotheby’s International Realty), and Monica Venegas (Venegas International Group) speaking on the current state of the Miami real estate market, as well as the importance of international buyers.

Monica Venegas, Jorge Uribe, Phil Spiegleman, Jay Parker, Dora Puig, Rex Hamilton, Nelson Gonzalez, Alicia Cervera

Ina Cordle: How is the South Florida market changing, and are international buyers still as important to you?

Alicia Cervera: I think to say that the Miami market is changing is just to say that it’s the same, because from the first day that I started on this market, it has always been changing and evolving. That’s mostly because it's such a young and evolving and growing city. What has really happened is that our market has continued to expand as our city has become global-oriented.

Nelson Gonzalez: I think the international market will always be important to Miami. We’re a melting pot of the world.

Rex Hamilton: I’ve had the pleasure of watching the change in the city, and I think that Miami has always been an international city. It makes it a very attractive place for an international market. I think we will always see the international market play a big success for Miami. It’s just a different country next week than it was last week.

Jorge Uribe, Monica Venegas, Phil Spiegleman, Jay Parker, Dora Puig, Nelson Gonzalez, Alicia Cervera, Rex Hamilton

Cordle: Which countries are important to you?

Dora Puig: I do think within the U.S., the market is expanding. I think once the dollar stops being so strong, you’re going to see all these markets raise back and level off. I’m seeing, still, a lot of capital from Venezuela. Brazilians have started to turn into sellers instead of buyers. I still have 100 percent faith in the international market and it's coming back strong.

Jay Parker: I think Miami has become a great metropolitan city. The draw has expanded from what we focused on historically, which was Latin America. I expect Latin Americans will still flock to South Florida, especially when the currency begins to stabilize a little bit. We’ll see more of Latin America buyers coming for all different kinds of reason: quality of life, capital, and political security. I also agree with the rest of the panel that other parts of the world are also now looking at South Florida as a safe haven. I’m hearing more and more from my colleagues that Europeans are starting to feel threatened and concerned about the long-term viability of their realty investments in their own countries and are liquidating with intention of focusing on the South Florida market.

Phil Spiegelman: The wonderful thing about Miami is that we have an appeal. Our region has appeal in all places over the world. Maybe, 20-years ago we focused on one country or another, today it’s an entire continent, in terms of South America. Beyond, we had the feeling that the paradigm of what people could buy in this cycle changed from high leverage to substantial deposits – that we wouldn't see the domestic market back for some time. That is changing, you’re hearing the same thing from everyone else on the panel, and we’re all saying the same thing. We all have our eyes on Asia. We all talk about China. It's a long-term proposition, but if you look, take time, and put in effort, China will become a future lasting part of South Florida. With direct flights being available later this year or in the near future, the Chinese will find it easier to get here. They'll appreciate not just the weather and amenities, but the great value that we represent in terms of real estate.

Monica Venegas: It was the city for the international buyer––whether pleasure, business, or life. Now, we are very fortunate to be in a cosmopolitan city. Miami is now known worldwide. It’s not just Latin American anymore. European and Middle Eastern buyers have been starting to come to Miami in the last couple of years. I’m very focused on China and the Asian market. I’ve been going there and immersing in culture for the last couple of years… For the Asian market, especially, the Chinese, it's still an undervalue city.

Monica Venegas, Jorge Uribe, Phil Spiegleman, Jay Parker, Dora Puig, Rex Hamilton, Nelson Gonzalez, and Alicia Cervera

Cordle: Let’s switch to properties. What are you seeing selling, and are they homes, condos, pre-construction, re-sales?

Cervera: Miami Beach is never going to be overvalued in my mind, because it's such a spectacular space. However, the city is grossly undervalued. When you start to look at the projects that are starting to be developed – and I have the privilege of working with some of the great developers in addition to our regular real estate platform––and you see all these spectacular views, and it's all under $1,000 per square foot. It's a very interesting value proposition in one of the most dynamic cities.

Cordle: What’s been your most interesting deal and what made it interesting?

Puig: Several years ago, the sale of the icon penthouse, where we had three bids going on at one time. I was told by prominent brokers, who I won't mention, that I couldn’t make the price of this building pass $2,000 a foot. I was involved with three bids at the same time, and it's a scary situation, because you could have a record sale or have nothing if you don’t handle it with gloves, so we had to go one by one, outbidding each other. The property was listed at $19 million, and when I took the listing I thought it was insane. I thought it was overpriced. It ended up selling at $21 million and closing in cash. The whole dynamic of the outbidding each other and the super egos involved and the super brokers involved on each side was like a jigsaw puzzle. Probably my biggest learning curve.

"I have been able to close the deals that I have because I have done my work, been perseverant and patient, and really worked the details." -Monica Venegas

Ina Cordle: Let’s talk about your success. You’re all obviously very successful. What was the secret to your success? What are you doing that’s different to get you where you are today?

Parker: I would like to say that I think the key to success, all of ours, is to be professional and responsive, looking out for best interest of our client, and not simply being commission chasers. I’ve worked with many of these agents present today, and I can tell you that they’re always looking for the best way to complete a project, the best way to service a client, and to be productive. They’re not just chasing a commission. I think it's the people that dig in deep, study the market, and look for the best that become the most successful.

Venegas: I have been able to close the deals that I have because I have done my work, been perseverant and patient and really worked the details.

Puig: As the saying goes, technology, technology, technology. When I first moved back to Miami from Los Angeles, I was working on two beautiful projects. When we launched the project, we had a $3 to 5 million media plan––$10,000 was dedicated to the Internet. It was seen that only 20-year-olds were the ones able to get online and look at something, and my client was not 20-year-olds. Today, I'm running Fisher Island, and we spend over $1 million on what we call our magic table––I call it my giant iPad. The technology is amazing. Most of our budget to sell is in technology… You will get to the buyer through technology, and I’m a 100 percent believer in that that’s where the whole future is going––online presence, social media, and spectacular websites. You have to have an online presence and focus on technology.

Photos by David Heischrek/DHPA

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Last year, Alexander Wang, the designer behind brands such as Alexander Wang and T by Alexander Wang, and who also served as Balenciaga’s creative director, debuted a furniture line in collaboration with Poltona Frau. Those who own pieces from the collection can now house their Wang chairs (and clothing) in his former home. This opportunity of a lifetime does, however, come with the hefty price tag of $3.75 million.

The fashion designer has put his one-bedroom, two-bathroom loft apartment on the market. Described as a “chic loft in prime Tribeca”, the third-floor Worth Street home boasts large ceilings, large windows, and fantastic natural lighting. The ceilings are made of restored tin, while floors feature ebony-stained wood.

Featuring a built-in island, the kitchen comes with both Sub Zero and Gagganeau appliances, stainless steel cabinetry, and counters made of white marble. The spacious bedroom has its own walk-in dressing room, which makes sense since we’re talking about the bedroom of a world-renown fashion designer like Alexander Wang. The two bathrooms have access to a large utility room that is accompanied by a washer-dryer. There is also a roomy living area, which has been divided into sections, such as a living room, a dining room, and a den area.

Wang purchased the home about six years ago for $2 million.

Images courtesy of Corcoran Group Real Estate

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Taking place Friday, May 13, at 1 Hotel & Homes in Miami Beach, Haute Residence’s annual Miami Luxury Real Estate & Design Summit featured three panels, which brought some of the biggest names in luxury real estate together for discussions on the current trends in luxury real estate, personal success stories, and what’s next for Miami’s real estate market.

Danny Hertzberg, Tony Rodriguez Jr, Daniel de la Vega, Senada Adzem, Oren Alexander, Nathan Zeder, Julian Cohen

Moderated by Daniel de la Vega, president of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, the “Next Generation of Power” panel kicked off the summit and featured Senada Adzem (Douglas Elliman), Oren Alexander (Douglas Elliman), Julian Cohen (Julian Cohen Group), Danny Hertzberg (The Jills), Tony Rodriguez (Prestige Realty Group), and Nathan Zeder (EWM Realty International). The panelists discussed the techniques of bringing in international buyers and conquering cultural differences, but also stressed the importance of the local buyer.

Daniel de la Vega: Is Instagram the most effective form of social media right now for you guys? What would you say is the most effective?

Tony Rodriguez: Snapchat for me––we don’t use it. We like Instagram. Twitter is really dying.

Oren Alexander: You basically have to cover all bases, whether it's print, media, or social media. I still feel the most effective form of marketing is direct communication. I make it a point to basically travel around the world to various events where there is probably a high concentration of high-end net worth individuals… The relationship in those different industries––whether it's in film or art with various agents, advisors, consultants, or dealers––they’re real relationships.

Daniel de la Vega: So what you’re saying is, the fundamentals of our industry aren’t going to change and that’s that we are in a relationship business?

Alexander: I think it depends on what price points. I think there’s obviously been some new technology coming into the market to try to kind of lower the role of the broker. I think that our specific price point––at the higher end of the market––is definitely a relationship business.

Danny Hertzberg: I took the time to educate agents in my office and to teach them how to effectively use their platforms rather than just using networks. That then turned into speaking opportunities at other offices, and from that, I spoke at the National Association of Realtors and other conventions. Through educating the industry, I built a lot of these relationships around the country and the world.

Julian Cohen: Of course, the press is extremely important. You all advertise; you all should pay for Haute Living and all the other ads. It gives you fantastic exposure. However, for me, it's been Instagram that has been quite the success recently.

Oren Alexander, Julian Cohen

Daniel de la Vega: The global buyers––where are you seeing them coming from now?

Nathan Zeder: In the last six months, we’ve shown to more people from Asia, China, and Japan than we’ve probably had in the past three to six years, combined. It’s an interesting trend… The Asian market has been a really big player in the commercial side here, but not necessarily in the residential. We personally are believers that it’s where the big influx of foreign buyers is going to come from.

Senada Adzem: We’ve had several clients recently come to us from Switzerland and from Belgium, because of the security concerns that they have been a result of very unfortunate recent events… Interestingly, most of our Swiss clients want to be in Miami, and most of our clients from England want to be in Palm Beach; so I've started noticing differences as to where they’re from correlating to where they exactly want to be in Florida.

Rodriguez: My business partner is from London, so we do have a lot of buyers coming from London, but I see in the next couple of years that a lot of Chinese buyers are going to continue, and it’s going to grow. The reason is, China has made a lot of money in the past six to seven years. They've gotten a lot of new millionaires in their country. The Chinese now are going to have trouble in their own country with their wealth. I think a lot of them are really desperate to diversify their portfolios and to get their money out of their country; and a lot of them are really looking at the United States. They've been looking at New York for years, and now, with these new direct flights from China coming in to Miami, I think that’s really going to help us.

Nathan Zeder, Tony Rodriguez Jr., Danny Hertzberg, Julian Cohen, Oren Alexander, Senada Adzem

Daniel de la Vega: Where are the buyers coming from domestically?

Zeder: Domestically, most of our buyers are from Miami and stay within Miami. That’s what we’re seeing… I guess, outside of Miami, domestically, it would be from New York.

Adzem: Most of our buyers are from the North East and from Europe. In terms of the North East, it’s really New York and the tristate area. There are a lot of people from Connecticut. We also get people from Boston, Philadelphia, or Pennsylvania, Washington D.C, and all of the North East. They obviously love having a second or third home in Florida, but what more and more people are talking about is the tax situation.

Hertzberg: What’s come into play is a lot from the northeast corridor of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. A lot of the New York purchases, as previously mentioned, are tax driven. They want to establish residence in Florida. We see a lot from California for the same reason, high taxes. We’re also seeing a shift of many of the local buyers, and not just Miami, but coming from Naples, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

Alexander: Definitely New York. There’s no secret with all that’s happening in the world today, the strength of the dollar, and the attraction to Miami from New York. I personally live in New York for half of my week. I’ve done deals where I’ve literally sold someone’s apartment in SoHo and then represented them here on a purchase in Bal Harbour. We all know the great reasons there are to live here, but of course, the tax purpose has been very, very strong over here.

Daniel de la Vega: How do you actually source these buyers when you’re traveling to other countries and meeting with them? How do you service them? Do you have to adhere to some of what they’re used to locally and in their cultur?

Cohen: When it comes to dealing with people, they want to feel comfortable. You’re selling them probably the biggest asset that they have, so you have to really make them feel comfortable with what they’re doing and doing that with you. I think that’s very important.

Adzem: The trick to sourcing clients internationally is really having a great relationship with them. Having logistic relationships with attorneys, accountants, and with really any trusted advisor to extremely wealthy people. In order for high wealth clients to trust you, someone they trust has to trust you. You’re trusted by association. A lot of times I’ll set up meetings with all the top accountants in whatever city I’m going to, and then I’ll ask my clients for suggestions and introductions in those particular cities. I think that’s the key. In terms of servicing clients and cultural sensitivity, I understand Czech and Russian, and so I can relate on many different levels. Clients really appreciate that. At least when you make an effort, even if you don’t speak the language, to just be sensitive to their costumes and ways of communication, it can play a big role.

Hertzberg: I think it’s important and definitely helpful to understand different cultures and different languages. A lot of what I’ve seen is the same standard that how you want to be treated is how you want to be treated. A lot of times respect goes beyond language and cultural understanding. In working with those markets, I think what was said before with those relationships is that they transcend cultural differences. The personal introduction and getting face-to-face, as they said, is a critical component.

Daniel de la Vega: What do you guys foresee the next 12 months looking like as far as buyers coming to South Florida?

Alexander: If you have the best product, in the best location, you have nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, we went through such a boom where there were a lot of houses that were built or overbuilt on lots that weren’t so great. Penthouses built in buildings that weren’t so great, and I think that those types of products won’t do so well.

Hertzberg: From my perspective, what we’re seeing is a correction in pricing. Right now I think price is a huge driver––every price point in every area. It’s always a big factor in the market, but now more than ever. I think what we have now is a lot of price sensitivity in the market. You’re seeing properties come down from certain prices, even more so in the condos than the single-family homes. As they are hitting certain price points, they're disappearing. If you look at the sales for the last 30 days, 75 percent of them sold with price reductions. So you’re seeing homes hit the market, condos hit the market, even projects that are decreasing, until they hit a certain point, and then they’re gone.

Nathan Zeder, Tony Rodriguez Jr., Danny Hertzberg, Daniel de la Vega, Julian Cohen, Oren Alexander, Senada Adzem

Daniel de la Vega: Where do you see the buyers coming from in the next few months?

Cohen: I think the Colombian people––if you look at the numbers, they’ve been purchasing a lot over the past couple months. A lot more than the Brazilians have. They kind of took over, and even though they have a smaller country, there’s a good amount of wealth that’s coming from there. The Colombians love our city, so I think that’s a big place that we’re going to be seeing business come from as well.

Rodriguez: We’ve been reaching out and doing a lot of international marketing, but I think for the next 12 months, we’re going to focus on the local buyer, the Miami buyer, and really all across the U.S.. We don’t have to always reach out internationally. We need to start investing money into our own United States market.

Zeder: It’s really the personal connections that you have in town that I think are the strongest buyers over the next 12 months, because right now it’s the local buyers on the sidelines who are active. They’re the ones who live here, they understand more than anyone else what's been going on in the market. They've seen these prices go crazy. I think there are still great opportunities to come and it’s those local buyers that are going to have full advantage.

Adzem: I think there are major macro forces at play right now and depending how they play out over the next year, it’s going to determine where the buyers come from. What I’ve seen lately it's a political impact, it’s currency fluctuation, and very importantly, it’s what’s going to happen in the election. There’s a sort of apprehension by many buyers, and that’s going to impact a lot.

Photography by David Heischrek/DHPA

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Drake is recognized as one of hip hop’s best talents, has sold millions of records, has collected many awards, has a gig as the “global ambassador” for the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, and has garnered a $60 million net worth, according to Forbes. Now, the superstar artist, who released his latest album "VIEWS" just last month, is reportedly building a massive home in Toronto, Canada, which should further solidify his position in the hip hop hierarchy.

There are plans for the Toronto native’s 21,000-square-foot-mansion with at least five bedrooms and four bathrooms to be built in his hometown’s upscale residential neighborhood, Bridle Path. According to city records, the bachelor’s pad will include features fit for hip hop royalty. It will boast a music room; a 44-foot-by-94-foot basketball court; a spa with a massage room; a basement with a linen closet; a room for specifically for “important artifacts‎;” and a jersey museum; a gym; a pool; a hot tub; a bar with multiple chambers; and a rooftop terrace. A room for the Grammy Award-winner’s numerous awards will be housed on the first floor of the mansion, along with a piano room, a library, a dining room, a mudroom, and a two-story great room. The second floor will be where the master bedroom, which will include a steam shower and two dressing rooms, will be found.

As of now, it looks like there is a house located on the two-acre property that will be torn down to make room for the “Headlines” rapper’s new pad.

The property was purchased last year by a company, which is headed by Drake’s current manager and DJ. Other staff members of the company that owns the property have also been linked to Drake in the past. David Bolno, who has acted as Drake’s business manager, is listed as a partner at the firm. Ferris Rafauli, who will reportedly be the lead designer on the project, also has a history of working with the superstar rapper, as he designed the Sher Club, the luxury members-only and invite-only sports and entertainment club that is located in Toronto’s Air Canada Centre, which is the home arena of the Toronto Raptor franchise.

This won’t be Drake’s first multimillion-dollar estate. He currently owns a property in Hidden Hills, California. He made it his home back in 2012, after spending a reported $8 million for it.

Image courtesy of Business Insider

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Black Sabbath, the legendary rock band founded by Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward is one of rock music’s most influential groups and is often credited as the forefathers of the heavy metal genre. As the band has been out on its farewell tour, Black Sabbath’s bassist and lead lyricist Geezer Butler has also been preparing to say so long to one of his homes.

He recently put his Beverly Hills Post Office mansion on the market for $3,225,000. Located near San Ysidro Drive, the contemporary Mediterranean home is situated on a more than half an acre-sized lot. Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a spacious living and family room, a kitchen with its own breakfast area, and a dining area with access to a courtyard can be found throughout the two-story estate. The master suite, which is located upstairs, is accompanied by a fireplace, a his-and-hers walk-in closet, and a balcony with views of the yard, as well as a sitting area. The property also boasts a garage, a large backyard, a saltwater pool, and an outdoor dining area.

Black Sabbath’s final tour The End Tour will start its European leg in June and will have had made stops in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Latin America by the time it concludes in December of this year. Black Sabbath was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Images courtesy of Violetta Hargitay

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During the 1970s, 101 East 63rd Street became a notorious celebrity hangout. The glamorous home hosted the likes of Andy Warhol, Liza Minelli, Brigitte Bardot, and Bianca Jagger at one point or another. It is currently on the market and can be purchased for $28,000,000.

There are four bedrooms and five full bathrooms throughout the four-story, 7,500-square-foot townhouse with a glass façade, 32-foot high ceilings, a fireplace, and a skylight. Multiple living areas; a master bedroom suite featuring a double-height ceiling and a modern dressing room; a three-story greenhouse; and a fourth-floor guest suite featuring a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, a bar, and a 1,600-square-foot terrace are also featured in the famous pad.

The listing agents are Engel & Volkers’ Howard Morrel and Leslie Hirsch.

Located on the Upper East Side and built in 1970, 101 East 63rd Street was the brainchild of the late architect Paul Rudolph. The mid-century modern house was only one of three houses in Manhattan designed by the former chair of Yale University's department of architecture. He was revered for his complex designs, one of the more notable being Yale’s A & A Building.

Famed fashion designer, Halston, Gianni Agnelli of Fiat fame, and celebrity photographer Gunter Sachs have all owned this luxurious property.

Images courtesy of Katherine Marks/Courtesy of Engel & Volkers. 

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Topanga Canyon compound located in the prestigious Post Office Track with direct access to the state park. A rare head-on ocean view with approximately over nine acres (three parcels) that exceeds all expectations. Main residence features gourmet kitchen, dual masters, and designer bathrooms. Additional buildings include two separate guest houses, horse stables, and tack room. The grounds include a riding arena, newly redone pool, great for entertaining and beautiful native gardens. Country living, yet close to the city, tranquil, private, and serene.

Topanga, CA, 90290
$8,000,000
6 Bedrooms
4 Full Bathrooms

View full listing here.

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Located in the heart of San Francisco is this spacious penthouse home of approximately 4,000 square feet atop the famed Four Seasons Private Residences San Francisco. It is surrounded by city, bay and park views that are as vibrant by day as they are by night.

Renovated with the collaboration of designer Jacques St Dizier, features include:

• Three bedrooms, four and a half baths
• Herringbone hardwood floors
• Gold leaf entrances
• Dramatic gallery lighting throughout
• Grand living room
• Formal Dining Room
• Library
• Custom Kitchen with Sapele wood cabinetry and gas cooking
• Family room adjacent to the spacious open kitchen
• Staff quarters with separate entrance
• Opulent master suite
• Generous closet space
• En-suite guest bedroom
• Home office suite
• Powder room
• Two car parking

With impeccable service and an exceptional SoMa location, the Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco is a welcome oasis in the heart of the city. Hotel amenities available to the penthouse include:

• Private Residence entrance and door person staff
• Private access to fitness, swimming and wellness at the 127,000-sf Equinox Sports Club
• Access to the Spa in San Francisco for massage, facials, reflexology, medical rejuvenation therapy, aromatherapy, wraps and more
• 24-hour in-room dining
• Valet parking
• Concierge Service

Property is being offered furnished, exclusive of art and personal items.

HOA fees are $3079.76 per month plus $482 for two car parking (one valet, one self-park).

San Francisco, CA
$12,500,000
Three Bedrooms
Four Full Bathrooms

View full listing here.

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For more than 15 years, Workshop/APD has been establishing itself as a leading name in the design world. In 2006, after several years of mostly handling smaller-scale residential projects, the firm, which handles both architectural and interior design, entered and won the Sustainable Design Competition for New Orleans. Sponsored by Global Green and Brad Pitt, the competition aimed to construct a net zero energy and affordable housing and community center development in the Holy Cross section of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward in the wake of the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina. Not only did winning such a high profile competition garner new attention for the, at the time, emerging design team; but it also allowed them to expand beyond their comfort zone. "Winning that competition really shot us into the spotlight," says Matt Berman, principal and co-founder of Workshop/APD. "It also made us aware of building types outside of the small residential single-family world that we were sort of in."

Since then, things have only gotten better for the award-winning Workshop/APD. The firm has since taken on larger scale projects that have ranged from luxury home design to high-end commercial developments. Their portfolio now includes the Brooklyn Navy Yard's BLDG 92, 70 Charlton Street, and 88 & 90 Lex, which according to Berman, has been Workshop/APD’s largest and most complicated project to date. It features more than 120 one-to-four bedroom units throughout two neighboring buildings with very different architectural styles (88 Lex was built in 1927, while 90 Lex was constructed more than 30 years later). Following a tour of 88 & 90 Lex, we sat down with Matt Berman to talk about the challenges of building 88 & 90 Lex, the importance of experimenting with technology and what's next for Workshop/APD

Haute Residence: When working on a project like 88 & 90 Lex, where Workshop/APD handles both the architecture and the interior decorating, at what point does the brainstorming process start for the interior design?

Matt Berman: Early in the process. About ten years ago we really started to take our interiors seriously. We brought in a creative director and interior designers, because it just was one of those things where you build this great architectural space and then all of a sudden you just hand it off to someone else. Now we can think about things from the beginning. We have the architectural team and the interiors team together and everyone is just riffing off of each other, which to us allows for a better product.

88 Lex and 90 Lex

HR: What are some of the challenges encountered during the construction of 88 & 90 Lex?

MB: This has been a big, complicated project. This was by far one of the most complicated projects we’ve ever worked on, just from an unraveling point of view and because we were dealing with two different buildings with two different systems. There’s was a tremendous amount of complexity involved. Anytime you’re dealing with conversions and you scratch the surface a bit, you’re like “oh my god,” because there are a lot of obstacles. There are a lot of structural conditions that as soon as you open up walls or take down ceilings that you think you can penetrate or that you think you can do things with, all of a sudden you have risers going in areas you didn’t expect. This building has some rent-stabilized tenants that have been moved around, but we had to work around a lot of those units. Most of them have been adjusted or relocated. In a lot of cases, you may have one unit that’s rent stabilized, and all the units around it are normal, which means that the units around it have to be reconfigured. It’s all part of the process of a conversion, which is very different from a new build.

HR: What kinds of research or reference points did Workshop/APD rely on to create a fluidity between 88 Lex and 90 Lex, two structures built in two different eras?

MB: It’s not so much research. It’s more of an approach to design and a vibe. For us, we use a lot of materials that are sort of worn and that wear well. There’s sort of an age inherent in the materials we used that looks great in a new space, but also looks really good in an older space, and because of that, they kind of marry each other nicely.

88 Lex and 90 Lex

HR: Workshop/APD has had lots of success throughout its 15-year history, but what was the moment where it had become clear that Workshop/APD had officially arrived?

MB: There were a couple of competitions that followed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina that were about re-thinking how to rebuild New Orleans. We entered the first competition, which was just an ideas competition, and placed third. Then, we entered the second competition, which was sponsored by Brad Pitt and Global Green, and we won it. That was about rethinking how to rebuild a section in the Lower Ninth Ward that was right on the levee called Holy Cross in a smart and responsible way. Winning that competition really shot us into the spotlight. It also made us aware of building types outside of the small residential single-family world that we were sort of in. Initially, that project was to include five single-family houses, a community center, and an apartment building.

HR: Does Workshop/APD’s approach to design differ depending on what type of project it is working on?

MB: No, we approach every project the same in terms of what is the program, what are the requirements, what is the capacity, what’s the budget––we need to get all of that sorted out first, because that is the stuff that helps frame what you can do. Then, when we start, I think we are inspired by the same things. For example, you can take a fashion idea and take it into a residence or a hotel or a restaurant. Maybe the hotel or restaurant will be a little bit more theatrical and playful and expressive than a residence, but at the end of the day, the inspirations are very similar.

Brooklyn Navy Yard

HR: With the history attached to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, was there an added pressure for Workshop/APD to deliver an amazing project?

MB: The Navy Yard project was amazing for many reasons, but the pressure for the whole team was that this was the first time in the whole 150-year history of the Yard that it had been opened up to the public. Prior to us breaking that fence, opening up that courtyard and inviting the public in, you had to go through the gates with a pass, while having had been invited by someone who was in the Yard. It was a very cloistered environment. So there was a pressure for us. We felt like we had to get this right. With that project, we explored with things like digital fabrication and laser cutting.

HR: How important is it for Workshop/APD to experiment with new technologies?

MB: It's huge. We like incorporating new technologies for a number of reasons. It gives us new toys to experiment with. The second reason is that it allows us to play with materials in ways that help the materials to be more expressive, and that also help pull more character out of them.

HR: How would you describe a good client?

MB: When you're working with a client, you do spend a lot of time educating them and trying to get them to understand the bigger picture, why we are making certain moves. and why we feel very strongly about what we are suggesting. With a good client, it becomes a good discussion. A good client is not someone that is just passive and says “do what you want.” A good client is someone who has ideas, is sort of focused on the project, knows what they like and what they don’t like, can articulate what they like and what they don’t like, and are willing to listen. That’s a great client.

HR: If you could give a younger version of yourself any advice, what would it be?

MB: I would tell myself to keep doing what you’re doing, because it is going to work out. I’d say not to back down and to stay true to your beliefs. Nothing is easy, so you have to work at it. I think it’s very easy to give up. There are those times when you’re sitting with a client in the beginning before you have the 15 years of confidence because that’s what happens over time––you build confidence and you start to feel more confident in your decisions––and a client will say, “I don’t like this” or “that doesn’t work for me.” When you’re in a creative industry, every time that happens, it feels like a punch in the gut, because you’ve been working on it, and you’re passionate about it. I’d tell myself to learn to channel that energy, and that when someone doesn’t like something, you have to try to unravel and find why they don’t like it and not just take it as something personal.

HR: What’s next for Workshop/APD?

MB: Our next leap? We’re pushing into the hospitality space. We started doing restaurants about four years ago. We’re now pushing for more restaurants and hotels. For us, it’s more about where are the design opportunities. These are cool spaces that are theatrical and fun, and that has kind of been the history and progression of the firm.

Images courtesy of M18 Public Relations

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Just as Stephen Curry prepares to add another MVP trophy to his collection, he’s getting ready to sell one of his California homes. Curry, the NBA's reigning MVP, for the past two seasons, and arguably the best basketball player in the world, has listed one of his multimillion-dollar properties.

The Orinda, California, crib is just about 20 miles away from San Francisco, where Steph’s championship-winning Golden State Warriors call home, and it comes with a $3.895 million price tag. With 4,700 square feet of space, the mansion has five bedrooms, a master bedroom suite with two private balconies, a vineyard, and a putting green, and is situated on less than an acre of Californian land. The gated Spanish-style estate also features a security system to secure both his family's privacy and safety.

“What we liked most was its warm charm,” said Ayesha Curry, Steph's wife, in statement. “It felt like home in every sense of the word and was extremely inviting.”

The property the Currys resided in since 2013 did receive an upgrade under their watch. There was work done to the kitchen, while a swimming pool, an outdoor dining area, putting green, and, of course, a regulation-size basketball hoop were added outdoors.

Toward the end of last year, the Currys added a $3.2 million property to their property collection. Located in Walnut Creek, the home features about 2,000 square feet more space than the home they are currently looking to sell.

All images courtesy of the Wall Street Journal

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Legendary rapper, director, writer, and producer, Ice Cube has been on a hot streak as of late. On top of his involvement with hit movies like Barbershop: The Next Cut, Ride Along 2, and last year’s Straight Outta Compton, and him along with his N.WA. group members being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he is now adding some new property to his list of recent accomplishments.

The South Central L.A. native, who has long lived in Encino, California, now has a new 7,574-square-foot-pad in Marina Del Rey, California, which he purchased for $7.25 million. Built in 2011, the modern beachfront home boast imported materials, as well as six large bedroom suites and 11 bathrooms.

There are also breathtaking features such as a rooftop pool with views of Marina Del Rey, a huge deck with views of the Grand Canal, a state-of-the-art theater, a wine cellar, and a gym.

Ice Cube purchased the home from Jean-Claude Van Damme. The star of films like Kickboxer and The Expendables bought the property in 2012 for $6 million.

Shaun Hurley was the listing agent for the magnificent property.

Images courtesy of Trulia

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For almost 20 years, women (and men) have been strutting their stuff in their Jimmy Choo shoes. Company co-founder, Tamara Mellon, may be in need of a new home to house her shoes, as she’s ready to sell her Upper East Side pad.

Going for a whopping $27 million, the penthouse apartment belonging to the former Vogue accessories editor, in what is known as the "Carhart Mansion," is found in Manhattan’s Carhegie Hill neighborhood. Along with five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms, the two-level, 7,140-square-foot––with an additional 5,290 square feet of outside space––home has a keyed elevator, a chef’s kitchen, an elegant dining room, a spacious living room, a maid’s quarter, and a large foyer. The master bedroom suite with a spectacular walk-in closet, as well as the high ceilings, French doors, a terrace, a wood-burning fireplace, and an enclosed solarium, help to offer guests a comfortable living and elegant entertaining experience.

Horace Trumbauer, an architect famous for designing homes for the wealthy, hotels, and also much of Duke University’s campus, was responsible for the mansion’s design. Constructed in 1913, the Carhart Mansion was listed as a New York City landmark in 1974, and converted into four ultra-luxe residences in 2005. Mellon's duplex penthouse is presented by Douglas Elliman’s Pascual Ortiz and Keith Copley of The Copley Team.

Images courtesy of Evan Joseph

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A good reputation can go a long way. BH3 Management LLC―the real estate development firm that specializes in acquiring, developing, restructuring, and recapitalizing multi-family, residential condominium, and mixed-use properties throughout both South Florida and New York City―can attest to this, especially since the firm’s latest development is, in large part, a result of an impeccable reputation.

A few years ago, the word began circulating around town that Gary Cohen―the developer of Island Estates whose family has been involved in land development in South Florida for more than 50 years―had been looking for a knowledgeable and capable partner to collaborate with on a unique project that he was looking to construct on the last buildable private island in South Florida. In search of the perfect fit to pursue such an exciting endeavor, the renowned developer consulted with multiple trusted business associates. Some of those associates already had working relationships with the BH3 team through previous successful projects, such as Terra Beachside, Trump Hollywood, and 1805 Ponce, and suggested to Cohen that a partnership with BH3 could be an ideal match.

“Our name kept coming up,” says Gregory Freedman, who, along with partners Daniel Lebensohn and Charles Phelan, heads up BH3. “The fact that when Gary Cohen went to people that he relied on and trusted and asked ‘Who do you think would be a good partner for me?' and our name kept coming up is humbling, because the reality is that we pride ourselves on always doing the right thing by the people we work with, and getting those endorsements from third parties opened the door and ultimately resulted in the Privé partnership being born.”

One of those mutual acquaintances was Charlie Sieger and Jose Suarez of Sieger Suarez Architects, who had not only worked with the Cohen family for over three decades, but were also the team behind Terra Beachside, which was BH3’s first transaction as a company in 2009 for which they stepped into the shoes of Regions Bank and successfully completed construction and sales of the project with the assistance of Sieger Suarez. “Terra Beachside was a prime example of doing the right thing instead of just doing what might be best for the bottom line. Everyone else that looked at that project had the objective of pushing Sieger Suarez out from the deal, but we recognized what an invaluable asset they were to the project and its ultimate success, embraced them as part of the team, and shared the pride of completing the project together with them” says Freedman.

“Good deeds come full circle, and Miami is still a relatively small town, so when Sieger Suarez heard that Cohen was considering partnering with BH3 on what was to ultimately become Privé, everyone was enthused.” Situated on an eight-acre private island that is positioned between Sunny Isles Beach and Williams Island, Privé is an exclusive luxury condominium project in the city of Aventura that will see two Sieger Suarez-designed, 16-story towers house 160 large and ultra-lavish residences. A big part of what makes Privé so exclusive and also so attractive to potential buyers, aside from its location and the security it provides, is its size. While the typical luxury oceanfront development is found on a one-acre parcel, Privé is on an eight-and-a-quarter-acre parcel.

Apartment sizes will range from 2,585 square feet to more than 5,600 square feet

“We’ve got so much more green space to spread things out,” says Freedman. That abundance of space will surely be taken advantage of, and the apartment sizes, which range from 2,585-square-feet to more than 9,000-square-feet, as well as the 70,000-square-feet of indoor public space and more than 56,000 square feet of outdoor amenities, are proof. Each individual unit will be equipped with spacious living, dining, and outdoor areas; European-style kitchens with custom- designed cabinetry; private elevator access; and service suites, as well as high ceilings; large windows; and incredible Intracoastal, bay, and ocean views. At Privé, residents will also be granted access to a host of amenities that have become synonymous with only the world’s finest five-star hotels. These added luxuries include a marina, a 10,000-square-foot gym and spa in each tower, a jogging path, a tennis court, a pier, two pools, and wine cellars.

“A lifestyle buy,” is how Freedman, who oversees sales and marketing for BH3, views Privé, adding “A lot of the time people seem to think we’re just selling apartments, but the apartments themselves are really just one critical component to the whole package. When people come to the island, it’s no longer just about, ‘Oh my god, the apartment and the finishes are amazing.’ It’s ‘Wow, this is what my lifestyle is going to be.’” Slated to top off later this summer, Privé has not only garnered excitement from those involved with its construction or those interested in buying a residence. In 2014, it was ranked as the “#1 most desirable ultra-luxury residential development” in the Miami and Fort Lauderdale area and number 14 in the entire world by Elite Traveler, which, of course, says a lot.

Q&A

Here, BH3's Gregory Freedman discusses how Sieger Suarez was chosen to design Privé, the effects of some of the controrversy surrounding Privé's development, and the most gratifying deal that BH3 has ever been a part of.

Privé was designed by architect Sieger Suarez. Why was he the right fit for a project like this?

Sieger Suarez is the most prominent local architect in Miami, having been the architect on marquee buildings such as Porsche Design, St. Regis Bal Harbor, and Apogee, just to name a few. They are the local starchitect, but also Terra Beachside at 6000 Collins Ave, our first job as a company, was designed by Sieger Suarez. We’ve had a great relationship with them from that project on. They are an incredible firm with an incredible track record and they were our only choice for the job. We actually didn’t even interview another architectural firm.

EGS2 has been responsible for the landscape architecture, while the interior designs are by Interiors by Steven G. Was finding designers and architects that had styles which complimented each other’s an aspect of how you decided who would work on Privé?

There were two distinct things. The landscape architecture is by Bill Eager from EGS2, and EGS2 has worked for decades with Sieger Suarez on almost all of the Sieger Suarez designs. For us that was a natural fit, because they’ve had a great partnership throughout the decades of working together. On the interior design side that was something that was totally separate. Steven G is the Sieger Suarez of interior design. They are the star designers. They have worked with us on a variety of our projects, including Trump Hollywood and they know at the end of the day how to design the space for what customers desire better than any other designer in South Florida. That’s just the bottom line. They also have the capacity and the resources to facilitate a job of this size. It is one thing to hire an interior designer to do your apartment or to do a couple thousand square feet, but it is another thing when you are dealing with 70,000-square-feet of public space. There are only certain firms that have the depth and knowledge to cover every square inch of that.

Sieger Suarez, EGS2, and Steven G are all South Florida-based. Was it important to have South Florida-based firms work on Privé?

Yeah, look, we are local guys, and when you have that type of talent locally there is really no need to go elsewhere. We follow that old slogan, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Other developers may choose to bring in starchitects from Switzerland, interior designers from wherever, or utilize a brand, and all of these tools are useful or necessary to differentiate one project from another, but at Privé, we have something so unique with the island that cannot be replicated and that is our brand. Further, at the end of the day those people don’t have the local knowledge and they end up always having to have a local partner here to execute. More times than not that local partner that is brought in is Sieger Suarez on the architecture or Steven G on the interior design, so why create the extra step when you already have those local partners here?

BH3 Realty, the sales and marketing subsidiary of BH3, has been facilitating sales for Privé. How have sales been so far?

They’ve been great. We’re approaching 100 sales at the project. We have 16 penthouses, most of which are sold.

There has been a little controversy surrounding Privé’s development. Do you think the negative media attention has had any impact on sales or the interest of potential buyers?

The press likes the negativity because negative news gets more readers than positive news, so I think certainly earlier on the controversy amongst the neighbors―which is really totally meritless―and the noise that which surrounded that certainly had an impact, but since we received all of our approvals and our permits; we have our financing, title insurance, and the job bonded, and a lot of eyeballs that are looking at the island and can see that the project is getting built, the noise and the rumor mill has gotten replaced with facts. I would say that it certainly impacted us in terms of optics, but from a legal standpoint they have never even challenged our approvals and permits. We are actually pursuing them for millions of dollars in damages. What we care about at the end of the day is that we are building our building and that we have the rights to do so.

Do you have a personal connection to South Florida and New York City? If so, is that why BH3 specializes in those two markets?

I was born and raised in South Florida. My whole life I’ve lived here with the exception of one year in Dallas and one year in London. Throughout my entire professional career, I’ve spent a substantial amount of time in New York. My
family is from New York. My partner Dan is from New York. We invest in what we know. If I were from Los Angeles, we’d probably invest in Los Angeles as well. Really, it is not more scientific than these are our backyards, where we have the resources, we know the people, we know the assets, and we can roll up our sleeves and get deals done.

Miami is considered to be a top five city in the U.S. for real estate investments. In your opinion, why is that?

I think that it is a combination of three or four things. The climate is the first thing. People love Miami for the fun and the sun. Another big component is that we don’t have state income tax, which is always appealing to people that are successful. The third thing is that it’s an accessible point to everywhere, so between Miami International and Fort Lauderdale airports, you can fly direct to just about any major city in the world with the exception of certain places in the Middle East and Asia. Also, Miami is now a global city. It’s a melting pot, which is great. On any given day you can sit at a restaurant and hear ten different languages. The people that were driven here initially for the fun and the sun began to demand a better experience in terms of cuisine, culture, and entertainment, and as a result, you see all of the phenomenal restaurants, museums, art centers, and entertainment venues. It has evolved into a real metropolitan city and will continue to get better, which is why I always say that I’m incredibly bullish on Miami in the long term. People love Miami for everything that it is. It only makes sense that it is a top five city for real estate, because it is a place where everyone really wants to be.

BH3 recently purchased a $5.5 million note and mortgage to help the Talmudic College out of foreclosure. What inspired that notable decision?

That was a great story. The Talmudic College has been in Miami Beach forever and all of their constituents live in that neighborhood; but just like many nonprofits, they had debt on their property, and the bank was foreclosing on them. After we were introduced to the rabbi, we basically came up with a concept that could prevent the foreclosure, create long-term stability for them, and create value for us by acquiring the note from the bank and entitling the southern half of their property, which they weren’t using, for an apartment building that we intended on developing. We also assisted them in designing an extension to their structure. Throughout that process we were actually able to buy adjacent air rights from the Department of Transportation, and we eventually sold the newly-entitled parcel to Mast Capital, which is launching sales now for 3900 Alton. In doing so, we forgave the entire mortgage of Talmudic College which was millions of dollars. My grandmother used to say, “Do something good and it always comes back to you 10 times over.” We saved them from foreclosure and helped them preserve their legacy. Obviously, it wasn’t the largest or sexiest deal that we’ve done as a company, but it was, by far, the most gratifying deal that my partners and I have ever done, because all sides came out as a winner. We believe that you have to give back to the community where you have achieved success and keep paying it forward.

What was your initial vision for BH3? How has that vision changed over the years?

Well, when BH3 started it started for Terra Beachside. That was our first deal as a company. No one knew where we would go from there. It could’ve just been that deal and that was it, but the partnership thrived and continued on to other really successful acquisitions. None of this was road-mapped out as if we were starting at point A and wanting to get to point Z. Instead, it was us wanting to do good deals together and building a reputation of always being honest and transparent. We believe that is what has gotten us to where we are and why Privé is currently such a high priority for us and is something that we are never going to be able to replicate. This kind of sets a tough bar to surpass, so I couldn’t tell you where the company goes from here. We’re fortunate in that we have the most amazing people and partners on our team and the opportunity to do the deals that we want to do with people that we want to deal with. As of now, our core focus is South Florida and New York City. Will we venture out into different markets in the future? I’d never say never. We are just humble guys that are looking to do good deals with good people and to have fun doing it. We have long-term objectives, and we are staying firm to our principles and true to ourselves and the people we work with.

This story is featured as the cover in the Summer 2016/Fall 2016 issue of Haute Residence magazine. Click here to flip through the digital magazine.

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In 1998, the late Prince purchased a stunningly beautiful home for his wife at the time. The wedding gift happened to be “one of the most privileged residences” in Marbella, Spain. Located in the El Paraiso hills, this luxurious villa is now being sold for $5.93 million.

The 7,534-square-foot estate is positioned on an almost one-and-a-half-acre lot. With a unique architectural style, the completely renovated former home of "The Purple One" offers impressive sea, mountain, valley, and golf course views, and features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a dining hall, a living room, and a breakfast room with windows that are panoramic.

The first floor has a large colonial-style double staircase, two master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, and a recently built and fully-equipped kitchen, while the upper level boasts several bedrooms, with one spreading two levels.

This masterpiece of a home, featuring a chandeliered entrance hall and high ceilings, also offers access to a tennis court, an outdoor heated pool, parking for six, and privacy and security.

Follow the death of the pop icon, there’s been an increase in interest in all things Prince-related, especially his music. He currently has five albums in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 album chart, and has sold more than four million albums and songs since the news broke of his passing.

Images courtesy of Engel & Völkers

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The iconic, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, Billy Joel, has sold well over 150 million records throughout his more than 40-year career. He’s also sold millions and millions of dollars worth of real estate. The latest piece of property that he’s looking to sell is located in Manalapan, Florida.

The modern Mediterranean-style beachfront estate was originally listed at $29 million, but is now on the market for the price of $27 million. The sale will include two properties, which Joel purchased for a combined $18.3 million last year.

The main lot has a 9,312-square-foot main residence. Fully renovated, it features seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, several outdoor patios, a swimming pool, and private dock access. Situated about 300-feet from the ocean, the home was built in 2005. There’s also a separate guesthouse with two bedrooms and one bathroom that has a cabana bath.

The last few years have seen the Piano Man in a real estate selling frenzy. Prior to putting this $27 million estate on the market, he sold his properties in South Beach, Long Island, and Manhattan.

Images courtesy of Trulia

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Hollywood actress and star of films like Kill Bill: Volume 1 & 2, Be Cool and My Super Ex-Girlfriend, Uma Thurman has a killer pad in downtown Manhattan that she recently put on the market for $6.25 million.

The 2,800-square-foot apartment is a duplex with five bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.

Located near Gramercy Park in a pre-war-style building with a brick and limestone façade, the home many would consider to die for, boasts materials such as marble and Herringbone dark wood, oversized windows, and French doors that lead to a balcony.

The master bedroom, which can be found on the second floor, has a bathroom equipped with a Carrara marble double vanity and Calacatta marble floors that are heated. In the chef’s kitchen, there are custom-made Italian Molteni cabinets, counters constructed with Namibian marble, and an island made from black walnut.

The home, which the Golden Globe Award-winning actress is prepared to part with, also features open dining and living areas, several walk-in closets, a library, a Turkish hammam steam shower, and views of the surrounding neighborhood, as well as access to the gated and highly coveted and exclusive Gramercy Park.

The 46-year-old mother of three is said to own various other pieces of real estate, including a property in New York City for which she spent $10 million in 2013.

Images courtesy of The Corcoran Group

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Back in 2014, Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine and his model wife Behati Prinsloo purchased a loft apartment in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. The luxe home at 112 Greene Street cost the couple $4.5 million, and is now being sold for a million dollars more.

Located in a cast iron building that was constructed sometime in the early 1900s on a cobblestone street in SoHo, Levine and Prinsloo’s pad has one bedroom, two bathrooms, and an elevator, which takes you directly to the swanky multimillion-dollar apartment. There are restored exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and large windows that provide incredible views of Manhattan.

The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom with windows, a Jacuzzi, and a walk-in shower, while the kitchen has stainless steel appliances and black granite countertops.

The singer, songwriter, and coach on NBC’s The Voice and the Victoria’s Secret Angel, who are expecting their fist child together, are said to have been recently spotted scouting properties in Pacific Palisades, California.

Images courtesy of Trulia

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Luxury property auctioneer, DeCaro Luxury Auctions, is slated to auction off "Palazzo Di Mare."

Located on five lush acres of land in Vero Beach, Florida, the $20 million property features a six-bedroom, 10-bathroom main residence; a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guesthouse; a circular driveway with a European-style fountain; an underground, climate-controlled garage with parking for 14 vehicles; a Venetian-inspired Italian pool with 14-karat gold leaf details; a 205-foot private beach with a sandy shoreline; and a private dock with a 10,000-pound automatic boat lift.

The 24,000-square-foot main residence’s master suite has a hand-painted ceiling mural, multiple double-hung windows with arched tops, silver and gold custom-carved columns, and an iron spiral staircase, while the formal dining room has seating for eight, a 14-Karat gold leaf ceiling, and a crystal chandelier. The gourmet kitchen is accompanied by Sub-Zero and Thermador appliances.

Just minutes from premium shopping and dining, the Great Gatsby-style mansion boasts a 51-foot tall sky deck with a solarium, an indoor balcony, a wine vault, a wood-beamed library, and a sound-proof screening room.

“Palazzo Di Mare" translates to "Palace by the Sea" in Italian, which suits the estate’s castle-like appearance that took five years to develop and its unmatched views of the Atlantic Ocean,” says DeCaro Luxury Auctions’ CEO and founder Daniel DeCaro.

The magnificent estate has been open for viewing since April 9, with the last scheduled open house being held Friday, April 29.

Palazzo Di Mare is currently owned by the widow of Bill Nicholson. Nicholson co-founded Retail Grocery Inventory Service (RGIS), the company responsible for developing the inventory tracking system that has been used by grocery stores across the country.

More information about the auction can found here.

Images courtesy of Quinn Pr

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It’s been a long time since Miami-Dade County has had a residential and marina development built in the area. Now, after over a two-decade gap, that is about to change as a result of the forthcoming Marina Palms Yacht Club & Residences.

Offering an “unparalleled waterfront lifestyle” to its residents, Marina Palms will house 468 luxury units throughout its two 25-story waterfront towers. A host of amazing amenities––such as an executive business lounge with conference room; a butler service; an infinity-edge pool and hot tub; a state-of-the-art gym; a spa with treatment rooms; a sauna; a steam room and workout studios; a news café; a club room with bar, children’s playroom, and teen lounge; as well as full-service marina that can handle vessels up to 100-feet long––will be accessible to occupants of any of the two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom, or penthouse apartments. Pricing starts at $950,000.

Residents of Marina Palms, which is located at 172nd Street and Biscayne Boulevard, will also have the comfort of knowing that they are safe and secure in their new home. The North Miami Beach development with a gated entry will have 24/7 security and secure garage parking.

"Marina Palms has opened the door to future development and upgraded the skyline of North Miami Beach,” said George Vallejo, mayor of North Miami Beach, who, along with members of the City Council, joined a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the new development. “The developers of Marina Palms were some of the first who saw the potential of what the city has to offer.”

“Our vision has now become a reality,” said Neil Fairman, president of The Plaza Group, which is developing Marina Palms in collaboration with The DevStar Group. “We wanted to be able to provide buyers a waterfront residence that put the South Florida yachting and boating lifestyle right outside their front doors. That’s exactly what we did.”

While the north tower, which has been sold out for several months now, is completed, the south tower is currently under construction and is slated to be completed towards the end of 2016.

Images are courtesy of BoardroomPR

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Located in the prestigious view corridor of Upper Angelo in Beverly Hills and surrounded by multiple mega estates, this 2014 expanded and remodeled modernist compound is one of a short list of properties that enjoy panoramic unobstructed views of downtown and the ocean. This redesigned home, with a nod to the contemporary architectural, has no detail overlooked. From the moment of entrance, a dramatic floating, curved staircase, in a unique center hall, reveals a voluminous open interior space. With walls of disappearing glass doors that open between ample outdoor terraces and the sweeping flow of the interiors, the house offers a unique personalized living experience. With more than 3,000 square feet of entertaining patios on multiple levels, which include a spa with lounge areas and fire pit, another with waterfall and fire elements, and yet another with pool and spa, mix together and seamlessly flow from one to another providing a definitive and unrivaled California way of life. On the upper floor, there is a beautifully appointed master suite with a fireplace and wet bar that opens to a private balcony directed towards the downtown views with an expansive walk-in closet. There are three additional bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms and private balconies and their own unique views. With a premium of European cabinetry, finishes, and fixtures, features throughout this “smart house” include a superb chef’s kitchen, wine tasting room and custom steel and glass temperature-controlled wine cellar, separate “exercise” suite, full outdoor gourmet kitchen, pool, second spa, and even an herb and rose cutting garden. This stunning property captures the true essence of the tailored classic California experience.

Catherine Marcus is the listing agent for this property.

Beverly Hills, CA, 90210
$17,000,000
7 Bedrooms
8 Bathrooms

View the full listing here.

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Sometimes vacations last a little longer than a few days, and when they do, traditional hotels aren't always the best places to experience those extended stays. Since 2005, those travelers, who have been in need of an authentic home away from home, have been able to look no further than AKA’s collection of hotels. Named the "best known extended-stay apartment hotel" by the BBC's travel section, AKA, which has properties in New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and London has filled the void for those travelers who are spending weeks or maybe even months at a time away from their homes. Where typical hotels may not be as prepared to accommodate a lengthy stay as most long-stay visitors would like, guests of AKA are treated to many of the luxuries found in very high-end condominium buildings, including spacious units that are fully-furnished and equipped with beautifully-designed furnishings by the likes of Piero Lissoni or Meyer Davis, and access to in-house fitness centers, trainers, and nutritionists. "A lot of people who are traveling have some sort of chaos in their lives," says Larry Korman, president of AKA. "Our role is to provide calmness and tranquility and a sense of home." Here, Haute Residence talks with AKA’s Larry Korman about how his vision for AKA has changed over time, AKA’s plans for global expansion, and some of AKA’s new and exciting offerings.

Haute Residence: How exactly did AKA become the "best known extended-stay apartment hotel?"

Larry Korman: My father did create the furnished apartment in 1966 in Philadelphia. He recognized that there was a need between the daily stay in a hotel and the annual stay in an apartment, because there wasn’t a market serving that individual that was going for two months or three months. With AKA, we started out with a longer-stay versus that of a hotel, but a shorter length-stay versus that of an apartment, so we were that blue ocean between a hotel and an apartment.

HR: How has the initial vision for AKA changed over the years?

LK: Based on the realities within New York City, it has changed a little. Originally, we wanted to stand for something. We didn’t want to be everything for everyone, so initially somebody staying around two weeks to three months was our target. R-1 zoning, which is a life-safety transient discipline that the city brought in, saying that in order for any property to accept anyone for less than thirty days, they had to have certain life-safety ABA (Architectural Barriers Act) zoning to do that. Of course, Airbnb has thrown some confusion to all of that, but R-1 did create a bit of a tale of two towns, where we could take monthly only––not weekly––at two of our properties, but we could take daily, weekly, and monthly at some of the others. Some of the properties are now geared toward two to three week stays, whereas some of the other properties are geared towards two or three month stays, which is okay. It fits the respective neighborhoods, but it did force a change from when we originally started the concept in 2005.

HR: How has the incorporation of curated, high-end interior design helped to separate AKA from its competitor?

LK: Design is definitely a differentiator for AKA and we take pride in working with different architects and designers, so for instance in Philadelphia, we’re working with Piero Lissoni in doing the design. We’re working with some of the top architects. In Beverly Hills, we’ve worked with Hank Koning of Koning Eizenberg as the architect, Edward Asfour of Asfour Guzy Architects as the interior designer, and Pamela Burton & Company as the landscape designer. It was a great collaboration, and we’ve been doing that with Meyer Davis at two properties. It’s been fun to work with different design groups to bring out something unique at each property, but again to consistently apply in certain ways the way in which they are presented, like having high cleanliness, having security comfort, and not having a lot of people in terms of staff or guests so that residences have that amenity. In addition to the location, the design has been one way we’ve been able to stand apart from others in the service-residence category. You might see great designers at a Four Seasons, but you generally have not seen great design teams at furnished apartments or extended-stay hotels. We were the first really to do that and take it to high-end. We’ve used design as a differentiator between us and anyone else who does what we do.

HR: Why is AKA so committed to being eco-friendly?

LK: Well, you got to hear it from Leonardo Dicaprio at this year's Oscars. I think the spirit of being aware of your environment is important, and I think that today there has been a challenge that needs to be responded to by caring, conscious companies, first and foremost. I think residents and guests will take that message when they see it applied in a cool way. I just think that there is a purity and awareness that comes from an operator setting a trend in a design-oriented hotel that can transcend that temporary experience. If a resident stays with us for a month and they see the benefits, the comfort, and the cache with being reminded, they’ll bring that back to their home. I think it’s a way which we can spread a very positive message through a comfortable, cool, cache-oriented lifestyle. They can basically have their cake and eat it too, because they can be good, global citizens, while at the same time be very comfortable and enjoy their stay. I think it’s a good fight for who we are as a family. My grandfather and his father were farmers, so I grew up with a farmer’s mentality, where your word is your bond and you are diverted to the community, first and foremost.

HR: How has AKA been committed to the global citizen?

LK: I’ve always envisioned AKA as a global brand and the irony is that when Americans travel we travel four or five days to a Four Seasons or a Marriott, because we want that comfort level of a brand name; but Europeans like to holiday for a month and they want to live like a local. They want to live on a tree-lined street. I think that is a part of the success that Airbnb is having. People want to live like a local and experience the culture. People from Europe and South America are used to coming to a place like New York and not staying in a commercial district or at a name brand hotel. They like the idea of staying at an AKA and having a kitchen, going to the grocery store, going to the local restaurants, mingling with the residences on the streets, and getting to really understand the place that they are visiting. I think our concept and our offering always connected with a global-minded traveler who wanted to experience more than just the obvious hot spots. They wanted to experience and understand a deeper personality of a city, so I think we’ve always connected that way. We’ve also seen a lot of individuals traveling on their own. To have a sense of communal space with our lounge, our cafe, our fitness area, and our wellness program helps them to feel less alone as they travel, because they are meeting other people that are getting to know the city, as well as the neighborhood that they are in. I think that there has been a great connection between the global spirit and what we offer. When a concierge recommends certain places that everybody sort of goes to, those visitors don’t necessarily get the authentic flavor of the city that they are visiting, and they don’t necessarily venture out beyond the comfort zone. They are really experiencing a city in a very one-dimensional sense, where I think AKA offers an opportunity because of the length of stay and because of the residential experience to really three-dimensionally understand and experience a city.

HR: Tell us a little about AKA’s plans for global expansion.

LK: Well, we are opening up our 10th property in May on Wall Street. We’re opening our 11th property in our 11th year in Philadelphia. We're working on another property in Los Angeles and our first property in Miami, as well as a property in London. We're also hoping to be working on a partnership with a property in Paris. I don’t envision any of them happening at the same time. Our goal is to do one property a year, but in the next two years we may do two, so those are the target markets as of now.

HR: What else is next for AKA? 

LK: Never rest on past laurels [laughs]. There are some properties where we just hired a music director and we are adding live music. There are some properties where we are trying to bring back some of the grandeur of afternoon tea. We added something we called Access AKA, where guests get a black metal card and with it, they can go to events that we’ve sponsored like the event we do for the Tribeca Film Festival, or they can purchase some of the fitness equipment or the sheets that we use at the same prices we buy them for. We are also creating with this condominium residence an opportunity for a few passionate residents of ours to purchase one of the residences. That's something new for us that we're doing at a few properties where they can, in a sense, become a partner in AKA. AKA Sutton is the first place we offer this option. We’re going to just offer 12 in the first year. We are trying to champion the basic and never lose sight of the basics with cleanliness and comfort, but we also are always trying to take our offerings to the next level. It's not only to be competitive, but also to really add something for our residences who stay with us and look for that next exciting thing. Again, because they are staying a month on average with us, it becomes their home away from home and if they can experience something new and different, it adds to the enjoyment and excitement of staying with us year after year.

For more information on AKA, visit its website.

All images courtesy of Quinn PR

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Noted designers ModOp Design transformed a Melrose Village bungalow into this stunning modern estate. This house, which was featured as a former Los Angeles Times "Home of the Times," is situated on a large 6,500-square-foot lot, which presents an opportunity for development. The very best of California living, this home is move-in ready with an open floor plan. The light and bright living room features an original Batchelder-tile fireplace and leads to the dining room and a kitchen with custom teak cabinets, hardwood flooring, and high-end appliances and fixtures. The front bedroom consists of its own bathroom and a large closet, while the master suite has an enormous en suite bathroom and a walk-in closet. A steel slider door opens to a private deck and the backyard, which is complete with lush and mature landscaping and palm trees. The jumbo, detached garage with high ceilings is perfect for a home office or a studio. Additional features include gated driveway, custom blinds, built-in speakers, and central HVAC with Nest. This rare opportunity that won't last long is walking distance to restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in one of Los Angeles' hottest neighborhoods. Robert Kallick and Matthew Morgus are the listing agents for this property.

Los Angeles, CA, 90046
$1,599,000
2 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms

View the full listing here.

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The building will offer access to not only luxury and privacy but also an art installation by German plaster artisan Jan Hooss, private fitness and yoga studios, an interactive children’s playroom which will be a partnership with the Children’s Museum of the Arts, a wine room, a partial basketball court, and several other amazing amenities.

180 East 88th Street, a collaboration between DDG and Global Holdings, will be marketed and have sales handled by Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group.

“Global Holdings takes pride in creating buildings that the world falls in love with,” says Global Holdings' chairman Eyal Ofer. “The vision here was to bring a downtown sensibility to an uptown audience, and we look forward to watching 180 East 88th Street become an iconic residence on the Upper East Side.”

Construction on 180 East 88th Street is scheduled to be completed sometime in 2018. More information on the luxury high-rise can be found by visiting the website.

Images courtesy of M18 Public Relations

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Images courtesy of Sotheby's International Realty

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Kris Jenner just added another California home to her real estate catalogue.

Her most recent property purchase is an east coast–style home in Calabasas featuring four large bedroom suites and five bathrooms. It cost her $2.285 million and is located in a prestigious gated community near homes that have been owned by several of her children.

Built in 2005, the estate boasts an elegant living room with a fireplace; a formal dining room complete with a butler’s pantry, double-height ceilings, and French doors that lead to a courtyard; an office with French doors that open to a front porch; a kitchen with a large center island and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances; and family room with its own fireplace throughout the 4,256-square-foot space. A swimming pool, a spa, an outdoor kitchenette, and a fire pit can also be found on the property.

Not too long ago, Jenner purchased another million-dollar California pad. The condo features two bedrooms, four bathrooms, a den complete with custom-built bookshelves, and 2,524 square feet of space, as well as materials such as marble, limestone, and French oak.

Images courtesy of Trulia

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Design firm Ａ.Ｌ.Ｘ. was established in 1999 by Japanese architect Junichi Sampei. Since its launch, the firm has won numerous awards and put on multiple exhibitions. They’ve also designed a number of unique structures, including "HOUSE TOKYO."

Completed in 2010, this home located in Tokyo features about 850 square feet of living space, due to its unique design. “The odd-shaped angles that conjoin the walls were created to maximize the available square footage in compliance with Japanese planning laws,” according to Hypebeast. Its abstract look, along with its usage of plenty of white coloring, was inspired by the streets of Tokyo.

The private, three-story residential space is made from reinforced concrete, surrounded by perforated metal screens that allow lots of sunlight to flow in, and features glass partitions, white steel detailing, and a spiral staircase that connects the multiple levels.

Images courtesy of Xain.jp

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Jeff Skoll is the one-time president of e-commerce powerhouse eBay and founder of Participant Media, whose credits include films like The Help, Lincoln, and Spotlight. One of the world’s richest Canadians, Skoll’s net worth is said to be in the neighborhood of $3.8 billion.

Not too long ago he listed his eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom Los Altos Hills home for $19,988,000.

Built by Owen Signature Homes in 1990, this “one-of-a-kind” estate includes a 14,855-square-foot main residence, a guest house, an eight-car garage, tennis courts, an indoor basketball court, and a rock climbing wall.

The single-family home with a formal entry; “intricately-designed” ceilings; and hardwood, marble, and tile flooring throughout also has seven fireplaces, an eat-in kitchen with a built-in barbecue grill and pizza oven, a wine cellar, a library, an indoor fitness pool, a game room with a bar, a formal dining room, a living room, a separate family room, and a home office. Bathrooms come with granite and marble accents.

Minutes away from Palo Alto and Mountain View, this property with state-of-the-art technology has expansive and lush lawns, rose gardens, and more than 100 mature trees throughout its more than three acres.

Skoll currently owns two properties in Beverly Hills, which he purchased two years ago.

Joe Piazza is the listing agent for this property for sale.

Images courtesy of Realtor.com

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Rick Pitino is one of college basketball’s most accomplished coaches on and off the hardwood. Aside from being the only men's coach in NCAA history to take three different schools to a Final Four and lead two different schools to an NCAA National Championship, the current University of Louisville head coach is winning track record with his real estate choices.

Newly-expanded and featuring recent renovations, this two-story, single-family home at 38 Indian Creek Drive has been listed for $25,900,000. One Sotheby’s International Realty’s Rafael Arias is the listing agent for the mansion that will be move-in ready by May, according to Realtor.com.

Throughout the 12,000-square-foot waterfront estate positioned on a 1.25-acre lot are eight bedrooms, 10 full bathrooms, a gym, an office, and a new resort-style pool with multiple entertainment areas. The property with French doors and vaulted ceilings also has an attached dock with lifts.

The 300-acre private island, featuring less than 40 home sites, a 24-hour police force, and an 18-hole championship golf course and golf club, where 38 Indian Creek Drive is situated on, has been coined the "Billionaire Bunker" by Forbes Magazine.

The two-time NCAA champion is also looking to sell his 6,000-square-foot Bal Harbour property. Currently on the market for $4,150,000, the two-story, six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom home with a chef’s kitchen and a lavish pool area was built in 2006. Tara Schuchts of Douglas Elliman is the listing agent for this property.

Images courtesy of Realtor.com

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William Lie Zeckendorf, Robert A. M. Stern, and Arthur W. Zeckendorf

Written by Robert A.M. Stern, Paul L. Whalen, Daniel Lobitz, and Michael D. Jones––all partners at the world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects––City Living: Apartment Houses presents 15 completed apartment complexes, alongside a portfolio of more than 15 projects that are either currently under construction or in design in major cities such as New York City and others throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

The launch event for the book, featuring 15 Central Park West on its cover, was held at 520 Park Avenue, a new luxury residential tower located at East 60th Street between Park and Madison Avenue.

William Lie Zeckendorf with Robert A. M. Stern, Michael D. Jones and Paul L. Whalen

“We are honored to have hosted the launch event for such a prestigious book,” said William L. Zeckendorf, co-chairman of Zeckendorf Development. “As Zeckendorf Development and Robert A.M. Stern Architects embark on their third collaboration, we look forward to continuing to raise the standard of modern luxury.”

Upon completion, the 800-foot-tall tower will hold the title of the Upper East Side’s tallest building. The 54-story structure is slated to boast only 33 full-floor residences, which will be designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Construction for the property that is being developed by Zeckendorf Development, with Park Sixty LLC and Global Holdings is projected to be finished sometime in 2018.

Michael D. Jones, Robert A. M. Stern, and Paul L. Whalen of RAMSA

The sales gallery at 520 Park Avenue, which is where the City Living: Apartment Houses' launch took place, opened officially in September of last year.

“My partners and I very much appreciate your inviting us to launch City Living in the 520 Park Avenue sales gallery," said Robert A.M. Stern. “For nearly 12 years, we have enjoyed our collaboration with Will and Arthur Zeckendorf and their colleagues and development partners. We're immensely gratified that our work with the Zeckendorfs is embraced not only by the market but also by the public at large.”

More information on 520 Park Avenue can be found here.

All images courtesy of Zeckendorf Development

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Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country known for reaching notoriously frigid temperatures, surprisingly lacks many places to ski and snowboard outside of its former capitol, Almaty. The "Slalom House," a residential project and “an eye-catching new winter sports facility” could change that.

As of right now, there aren’t any concrete plans in place for the Slalom House to be built, but there are parties that have expressed interest in taking the design proposals further.

Shokhan Mataibekov of Shokhan Mataibekov architects conceived the concept as a result of the four-hour travel time between Astana, Kazakhstan’s current capitol, and the nearest ski slopes. Speaking to CNN, he unveiled that the unique project is projected to cost somewhere around $70 million.

Nominated last year at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in the residential future projects category, the Slalom House is slated to feature over 400 two-bedroom residential units; 21 floors; space for retailers and food outlets in the lobby area; and a 1,000-foot, man-made ski slope that descends from the top of the building. There will also be a separate entrance, which will grant access to the rooftop slope via panoramic elevators.

More information on the Slalom House can be found here.

Images courtesy of the World Architecture Festival

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This week has been a busy news week for Beyoncé. She’s managed to stay in the headlines as a result of her controversial new single, “Formation”, scene-stealing halftime show performance during Super Bowl 50, as well as for renting a swanky Airbnb for the weekend.

The five-bedroom pad with at least eight bathrooms cost a whopping $10,000 per night to rent.

The net-zero energy home was designed by Noel Cross Architects and built by Evans Construction, Inc with interiors designed by St. Dizier Design. A contemporary masterpiece designed for entertaining, the residence features a game room with a full bar and pool table, a fitness center, a vanishing edge pool, a spa, and an outdoor fire place, as well as a kitchen designed by Studio Becker that has a bake center with five ovens, three dishwashers, and a butler pantry. There is also a full outdoor kitchen, a rooftop vegetable garden, and an orchard with over 50 fruit trees.

Conveniently located, it boasts views of the San Francisco Bay area and Silicon Valley. The gated property has a surveillance system that offers both privacy and security.

Beyoncé posted a picture herself in her weekend home to her Facebook account, and the post has some people speculating as to whether or not she was paid to endorse Airbnb.

Images courtesy of Airbnb

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Over the course of her career, Miley Cyrus has become known for a few things, including her Disney days, her music, and her wild and crazy on-stage antics. Now her eye for real estate can be added to the list.

Already having owned multiple properties in California––including a $4 million Hidden Hills horse ranch, the Studio City home she spent $3.9 million on, and a pad in Toluca Lake––which cost her $5.83 million in 2007, the singer-songwriter is a real estate force to be reckoned with.

The newest addition to her home catalogue in Southern California is the Malibu property she recently purchased. With four bedrooms and three-and-a-half-bathrooms, her new place set her back $2.525 million. Described as an “architectural beauty,” it is located near Ramirez Canyon.

Situated on more than two acres of land, this two-story, 1,384-square-foot house was built in 1958 and has since been renovated. It features a dining area, which connects to a large patio and has heated stone floors and custom-made glass doors, a cook’s kitchen that has a breakfast bar and countertops outfitted with granite, and a master suite that is accompanied by a private balcony overlooking the estate’s grounds. A gazebo, a Jacuzzi, and a garage fit for at least two cars with a special charging unit for an electric-car can also be found on the property.

The listing agents for this property, which is just down the road from Cyrus’ rumored fiancé Liam Hemsworth, were Christopher Cortazzo and Joseph L. Masiello of Coldwell Banker.

Images courtesy of Trulia

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The married and very pregnant Anne Hathaway has recently purchased an Upper West Side pad for her and her growing family.

Costing her $2.55 million, the 1,200-square-foot co-op apartment has two bedrooms; two bathrooms; a living room with lots of space, custom-built cabinetry, and a stereo system; a dining area; a kitchen with 18-foot ceilings, tons of counter space, cabinets, and wine storage; a gym; and a large terrace with greenery and views of the Upper West Side.

A walk down the hallway will lead you to the bedrooms which both feature bathrooms that have received renovations, skylights, and planting balconies. The second bedroom could be used as a nursery.

Also featured throughout the multimillion-dollar unit with a sunny layout are French doors, hardwood floors, and storage space.

Douglas Elliman's Jeff Feuer was the listing agent for this apartment.

The building, which houses Hathaway's new home, was constructed in 1902 and is walking distance from Central Park.

The Oscar Award-winning actress, who is expecting her first child with husband Adam Shulman, has starred in movies such as The Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada, The Dark Knight Rises, and Les Misérables.

Images courtesy of Trulia

The post Anne Hathaway Now Calls This $2.55M NYC Penthouse Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Developed by Anbau––a leading developer of luxury residential properties throughout New York City––and represented exclusively by Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group, Citizen360 is a 34-story luxury condominium featuring 84 units, including one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Architectural firm, SHoP Architects, designed Citizen360, while interior designer Clodagh, best known for designing spas and hospitality spaces, handled the interior designing of the property.

The residences range in space from 900 square feet to 4,500 square feet and range in price from $1.3 million to more than $12 million. Each unit has a Gourmet chef’s kitchen with integrated water filtration systems, wine refrigerators, Bosch dishwashers, and gas cooktops; a master bathroom outfitted with limestone flooring and walls, fixtures by Clodagh 27 and Duravit, and custom-built medicine cabinets and vanities; floor-to-ceiling windows; and white oak flooring. Several residences are accompanied by large terraces. There is also a duplex penthouse with glass walls, a fireplace, and plenty of outdoor space. The lobby features aged limestone flooring, a concierge desk made from reclaimed walnut, a slatted walnut ceiling, a garden wall, and an integrated water feature.

Citizen360, which is located on the Upper East Side in the Yorkville neighborhood and is in close proximity to well-known parks, museums, galleries, hospitals, and some of New York City’s most coveted private schools, offers residents access to amenities such as a fitness center with a yoga studio, an entertainment suite, a screening room, a private lounge, a multimedia studio, an art studio, a children’s playroom, and a catering kitchen, while also providing a 24-hour doorman, bicycle storage, and on-site automated parking.

“Following the success of our Citizen condominium in Chelsea, we saw Yorkville as the ideal area to extend the Citizen brand since it offers residents a classic New York neighborhood with many new retailers and lifestyle services just steps from the property,” said Anbau’s president, Stephen Glascock. “With Citizen360, we sought to reflect the sense of community in the design by incorporating residences with spacious floor plans and amenities that bring neighbors together.”

For more information on Citizen360, visit the luxury condominium's website.

Images courtesy of Quinn PR

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The lucky folks over at The Coveteur were granted access to the lavish kingdom of one of hip hop’s biggest bosses Rick Ross.

They were invited to his not-so-modest abode during the preparations for the extravagant celebration for his 40th birthday. While there, they took a look around and captured shots of his insane sneaker and art collections, as well as some of the other eye-dropping features of the platinum rapper's home.

In 2014, platinum rapper, purchased the mega-mansion in Georgia for just under $6 million. Situated on 235 acres, the 54,000-square-foot estate is Georgia’s largest single-family home. It boasts more than 100 rooms––12 being bedrooms and 21 being bathrooms––as well as a bowling alley, a home theater, a humongous pool, a seven-stall barn, a baseball field equipped with lights and a scoreboard, a boxing gym, and a guest house. There’s also a recording studio, which doesn’t come as much of a surprise.

The property’s former owner, boxing legend Evander Holyfield, once stated that on a yearly basis, it can cost up to $1 million to maintain the home. The electric bill alone is said to cost somewhere around $17,000 per month.

Images courtesy of The Coveteur

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“The kind of loft that everyone imagines and desires, yet never finds,” is how this almost $25 million home has been described. Currently, the swanky apartment is owned by Mickey Drexler, chairman and CEO of J.Crew Group. Drexler has been credited with helping to grow Gap to be the fashion powerhouse that it is today.

The Tribeca pad located at 140 Franklin Street features both architectural and interior designs from world-renowned French architect, Thierry Despont, as well as 11-foot high ceilings, large windows, wide plank Brazilian floors, and industrial doors.

The 6,226-square-foot condo, with five bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms, and an 82-foot-wide living room, also has a master suite offering privacy, a stainless steel Varenna kitchen, a grand dining area, an office, multiple parlor sitting areas, and a billiards area. There’s additional space throughout the home that could potentially be used for a variety of things, such as “staff rooms, a fitness room and a study/library, or more bedrooms.”

The listing agent for this property is Jim St. Andre of Corenyc.com.

Images courtesy of Corenyc.com

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Neil Patrick Harris’s 2013 $4 million property purchase once held the title of the most expensive townhouse sold in Harlem, New York. Now, this fully-renovated and restored Hamilton Heights property at 326 Convent Avenue, which was sold for $4,950,000, is the new title holder in town.

A “house of grand proportions,” this single-family townhouse houses over 5,300 square feet throughout five floors. One floor boasts an open living room, a dining room, and a chef's kitchen that has pewter counter tops and triple mint appliances, while on another floor, there is a grand foyer; a breathtaking master suite that has a bathroom with a large spa, featuring hand-carved mosaic tile work, a free standing bath, and a rain shower; a huge walk-in closet; and a sitting room. Not only does the top floor have sweeping views of Convent Avenue, but it also has two bedrooms, a sitting room, two bathrooms, and a home office.

With the vibe of a European manor, the townhouse features 18th century doors that offer a welcomed blast from the past. There is also a garden level, which can be rented out or used as a rec room, with an extra bedroom, five fireplaces, two laundry rooms, a winding staircase with subtle limestone accents, Herringbone French oak floors, high ceilings, landscaped front and back gardens, stained glass windows, and a shaft for elevator installation within this home, offering high-end, modern living and located near the subway and trending new restaurants.

Tamara Marotta and Justine Masters of Douglas Elliman are the listing agents for this property.

Images courtesy of Douglas Elliman

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