Upper East Side

Iconic MetLife Building to Welcome Upscale Italian Eatery in Multi-Million Deal

In a move set to reshape Midtown Manhattan’s dining landscape, the team behind the successful La Pecora Bianca restaurant empire is expanding their culinary footprint with an ambitious new venture: Giulietta.

The hospitality group has inked a 15-year lease with Irvine Company for a sprawling 11,300-square-foot space at the base of the legendary MetLife Building at 200 Park Avenue. The deal marks one of the most significant restaurant leases in post-pandemic Manhattan, highlighting renewed confidence in the city’s commercial dining sector.

Giulietta isn’t just another Italian restaurant – it’s positioning itself as a dining destination, with plans for 250 indoor seats and an additional 200-seat outdoor area complete with a bar setup. The indoor-outdoor flow is designed to capitalize on the building’s prime location, offering diners a slice of Manhattan ambiance alongside their pasta.

“This is a statement about the future of New York City dining,” says a restaurant industry analyst who asked to remain anonymous. “When established restaurateurs make long-term commitments of this scale, it signals strong faith in the market’s recovery.”

The deal represents a strategic win for Irvine Company, which took full ownership of the 3.1-million-square-foot office tower in May. Roger DeWames, president of Irvine Company Office Properties, frames Giulietta as a crucial piece in the building’s evolving retail strategy. “Giulietta is the latest example of our continuous commitment to excellence,” he noted, suggesting it complements recent retail additions to the property.

The restaurant, slated to open in spring 2026, was brokered by hospitality specialist Friend of Chef representing the restaurant group, while CBRE – which conveniently headquarters in the same building – represented Irvine Company.

For food enthusiasts and Manhattan power lunchers alike, Giulietta’s arrival promises to add another compelling option to Midtown’s competitive dining scene. With La Pecora Bianca’s proven track record in delivering upscale Italian dining experiences, expectations are high for this new venture in one of New York’s most iconic commercial addresses.

A photo of MetLife via Wikipedia | David Shankbone

Il mercato immobiliare in Lombardia

Milan’s Luxury Real Estate Market Reaches New Heights Despite Supply Constraints

Based on the latest Exclusive Residences Observatory by Tirelli & Partners, Milan’s luxury real estate sector is exhibiting exceptional resilience. The prestigious Quadrilatero district has achieved unprecedented valuations, reaching €37,000 per square meter in 2024—representing a remarkable 40% appreciation since 2020. This trajectory has solidified Milan’s position as a premier destination for global real estate investment.

From our vantage point at Columbus International—a boutique real estate firm strategically located at Via San Raffaele 1, 20121, Milan—we’ve identified a clear bifurcation in Milan’s luxury market: The ultra-premium sector (above €6 million) maintains robust performance, propelled by international investors and returning Italian expatriates leveraging favorable tax incentives. Meanwhile, the €1-3 million segment demonstrates more conservative growth patterns.

Market Dynamics The premium segment (€3+ million) and ultra-luxury tier (€6+ million) continue attracting substantial interest, predominantly from tax-advantaged international buyers. Supply constraints and stringent quality requirements pose ongoing challenges, though premium properties consistently secure motivated buyers swiftly with minimal price negotiation.

Entry-level luxury (€1-2 million) and mid-tier segments (€2-3 million) reflect more measured domestic demand, characterized by upgrade-oriented rather than expansionary purchases. An increasing quality differential between new developments and existing inventory has emerged, with contemporary technological amenities and architectural innovations diminishing the competitiveness of legacy properties.

Key Performance Metrics

  • Market absorption rates declined 3.5%, most notably in prime locations like Brera, where quality inventory remains scarce
  • Sales cycles now exceed 6 months—a threshold unseen in four years
  • Price negotiations average 6.7%, though premium properties frequently command full asking prices
  • The Quadrilatero leads value appreciation, while peripheral areas such as Magenta register modest 1% gains

Market Outlook The entry-level luxury segment anticipates stable transaction volume, potentially catalyzed by favorable interest rates and robust equity markets. The ultra-luxury segment is positioned for continued growth, driven by international demand and Milan’s enduring tax advantages, despite recent flat tax modifications.

Columbus International’s strategic position bridging Italian and American real estate markets enables us to serve both international investors and local clientele seeking premium properties. We welcome interested parties to our offices at Via San Raffaele 1, where our expert team provides comprehensive insights into Milan’s evolving luxury real estate landscape.

Bridging Italian and American Markets: Columbus International Rides the Wave of Luxury Residences in New York’s Renowned Madison Avenue

New York’s famous Madison Avenue is undergoing an extraordinary renaissance, particularly in the luxury real estate sector. We at Columbus International, a boutique real estate firm that serves as a unique bridge between the Italian (Milan and Tuscany) and American (New York and Miami) markets, are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

The impact of the pandemic on Madison Avenue’s stores was undeniable, but luxury retailers are now returning in force, infusing new life into this renowned shopping district. Prestigious brands like IWC Schaffhausen and Boucheron have recently opened flagship stores, signaling a renewed confidence in the avenue’s appeal.

Accompanying this commercial resurgence is a wave of luxury residential developments, which underscores the eternal allure of Madison Avenue as a premier destination. Recently, the Giorgio Armani branded residences at 760 Madison Ave., with their 10 coveted apartments, were quickly sold out, exemplifying the insatiable demand for high-end properties in this iconic location.

But the true jewel in Madison Avenue’s crown could be the upcoming The Surrey, a new five-star Corinthia hotel developed by the British Reuben Brothers. Poised to challenge the city’s other grand hotels, The Surrey boasts 14 exclusive residences that have already captured half the market. “The Surrey was built as a residential hotel in 1926 and has always been the home away from home for many famous New Yorkers,” explains a spokesperson. “Most of the buyers so far are people who live in New York, many in the neighborhood. These are legacy transactions, where people say, ‘I would like to pass this on to future generations, because it is so rare.'”

As Columbus International’s portfolio expands to include these coveted Madison Avenue properties, the company’s unique position as a bridge between Italy and America becomes increasingly valuable. Our clients in Milan and Tuscany are increasingly drawn to the allure of New York’s luxury residences. By offering them direct access to the most prestigious addresses on Madison Avenue, we are not only fulfilling their desires, but also strengthening the cultural and economic ties between our two markets.

With the “luxury residences” trend in New York showing no signs of slowing down, Columbus International is poised to ride this wave of exclusivity, consolidating its reputation as a premier real estate partner for discerning clients on both sides of the Atlantic.

Photo via The Surrey

From Porsche to Palate: Miami’s Luxury Condo Scene Embraces Culinary Stardom

In a city where branded residences already feature car elevators and fashion house finishing touches, Miami’s latest luxury development is betting on the power of gastronomy to attract ultra-wealthy buyers. Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences, the first-ever residential project from legendary Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, is set to redefine luxury living through the lens of culinary excellence.

The 48-story architectural masterpiece, rising in Miami’s coveted Design District, represents a bold departure from the automotive and fashion-branded towers that have dominated the city’s luxury real estate landscape. While the Porsche Design Tower made headlines with its innovative sky garages and Dolce & Gabbana’s upcoming project promises haute couture living starting at $3.5 million, Jean-Georges is betting that the way to a luxury buyer’s heart is through their stomach.

“The evolution of branded residences in Miami reflects a deeper understanding of what today’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals truly value,” says Douglas Rill, veteran Florida broker at Century 21 America’s Choice. “It’s no longer just about the name—it’s about the lifestyle experience that name represents.”

A Recipe for Success

The numbers suggest the timing couldn’t be better. Miami-Dade County’s luxury condo market has shown remarkable resilience, with sales of units priced over $1 million surging 122.2% this August compared to 2019 levels. The Jean-Georges project, with prices starting at $1.6 million, enters a market where branded properties command significant premiums.

The development, a collaboration between Terra and Lion Development Group, promises 329 meticulously crafted residences ranging from one to four bedrooms, plus select penthouses. But it’s the 41,000 square feet of amenity spaces that truly set this project apart. The crown jewel? A ground-floor restaurant complex spanning 27,500 square feet, where Vongerichten will blend his various culinary concepts into a singular dining experience.

Beyond the Plate

“This isn’t just about putting a celebrity chef’s name on a building,” explains David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We’re creating an ecosystem where culinary excellence informs every aspect of daily life.” The amenities read like a wish list for the gastronomically inclined: a private dining room with indoor-outdoor flexibility, a chef’s kitchen for resident use, and a sophisticated bar and lounge space.

But perhaps most telling of the project’s ambitions are the unexpected touches: a podcast recording studio, wellness facilities including cold plunges, and even a squash court—suggesting that while food may be the central theme, the development aims to satisfy all aspects of a luxury lifestyle.

The Business of Branded Luxury

The Jean-Georges project joins an increasingly crowded field of branded residences in Miami. Mercedes-Benz, Cipriani, and Aston Martin have all planted their flags in the city’s skyline. Meanwhile, Bentley Residences is under construction in Sunny Isles Beach, with units starting at an eye-watering $5.6 million.

“Not everyone will be able to say they live in a Jean-Georges tower,” notes Juan Arias, CoStar’s director of market analytics. “That exclusivity, combined with the genuine lifestyle integration the brand represents, allows developers to command significant premiums.”

Looking Ahead

With groundbreaking scheduled for summer 2025 and completion targeted for 2027, the Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences represents more than just another branded development—it’s a bet on the future of luxury living. As traditional luxury brands continue to enter the real estate market, this culinary-focused approach might just prove to be the secret ingredient Miami’s high-end market has been waiting for.

For Vongerichten himself, who has built an empire of over 60 restaurants globally, including the two-Michelin-starred Jean-Georges in New York, this represents a natural evolution. “This project embodies my vision of combining culinary excellence with lifestyle spaces,” he says. And in Miami’s competitive luxury market, that combination might just be the perfect recipe for success.

Photo via Miami Tropic Residences

Revolutionary Market Analysis Reveals: Manhattan Condo Price Could Secure a Majestic Tuscan Villa

A groundbreaking market analysis, capturing the attention of both savvy investors and lifestyle seekers, reveals that the price of a modest Manhattan apartment could secure a majestic Tuscan villa – a discovery that’s redefining how international buyers approach luxury real estate investments.

The Value Proposition

Recent market data analyzed by Columbus International, a leading real estate firm managing opportunities between New York/Miami and Florence/Milan, confirms research from My Dolce Casa demonstrating that $750,000 – the current price point for a 500-square-foot Manhattan apartment – could secure a magnificent 3,200-square-foot villa among Tuscany’s renowned landscapes. This value disparity is driving a new wave of strategic investment decisions among discerning buyers.

What we’re observing is a fundamental shift in how sophisticated investors approach the luxury real estate market. Our clients increasingly recognize that Tuscany offers not just lifestyle benefits, but also compelling investment opportunities with strong appreciation potential.

Breaking Down the Numbers

The current Manhattan real estate market presents sobering statistics:

  • Median listing price: $1,500 per square foot
  • Average 500-square-foot apartment: $750,000
  • Limited appreciation potential in an oversaturated market

In contrast, Tuscan properties offer:

  • Average price: $237 per square foot
  • Equivalent investment yields: 3,200 square feet
  • Additional amenities: private grounds, historic architecture, and often, olive groves or vineyards

The Columbus International Advantage

With years of experience bridging U.S. and Italian luxury real estate markets, Columbus International has developed unparalleled expertise in managing “overseas” transactions. Our company’s dedicated team of brokers, with offices in New York, Miami, Milan, and Florence, offers:

  • Comprehensive market intelligence across both continents
  • Expert guidance on international property laws and regulations
  • Access to exclusive off-market properties
  • Full-service support from initial search through closing and beyond

Investment Outlook

The Tuscan real estate market presents a unique combination of stability and growth potential. Unlike the volatility we’re observing in major U.S. urban markets, Tuscan properties have historically demonstrated steady appreciation while offering immediate lifestyle benefits and potential rental income streams.

Recent market trends indicate:

  • 5-7% annual appreciation in prime Tuscan locations
  • Growing demand from international investors
  • Increasing scarcity of historic properties in premier locations

Beyond the Investment

While the financial advantages are compelling, Columbus International’s clients frequently cite additional benefits:

  • Rich cultural heritage
  • World-renowned culinary scene
  • Excellent healthcare system
  • Strategic location for European travel
  • Strong expat communities

Making the Transition

Columbus International has the advantage of simplifying the property acquisition process by guiding clients through every aspect of their investment journey, from property selection to relocation services.

For those considering this investment strategy, Columbus International offers private consultations with our team of expert brokers, specialized in both New York and Tuscan real estate markets.

Our deep understanding of both markets ensures clients receive comprehensive guidance tailored to their specific investment goals and lifestyle aspirations.

To learn more about investing in Tuscan properties or to schedule a consultation with a Columbus International broker, email info@columbusintl.com.

Il mercato dei condomini a Miami Beach

Miami’s Office Market Paradox: Record-High Rents Amid Lowest Leasing Activity in Years

In a striking display of market contradictions, Miami’s commercial real estate sector is experiencing a unique phenomenon: skyrocketing premium office rents alongside its lowest leasing activity in four years. This unusual dynamic highlights the growing divide between luxury and conventional office spaces in one of America’s fastest-growing business hubs.

Premium Space Commands Historic Rates

The recently completed 830 Brickell tower, Miami’s newest luxury office building, has set a new market record with Brazilian bank Banco Master securing space for nearly $200 per square foot – almost double the city’s previous record from just two years ago. This rate represents a more than threefold increase from pre-pandemic levels, when premium Brickell office space commanded around $60 per square foot.

“These tenants are already leasing in markets like New York or internationally where you have top quality, world-class real estate assets,” notes Tere Blanca, founder and CEO of Blanca Commercial Real Estate. The building has attracted an impressive roster of blue-chip tenants, including Microsoft, Citadel, Thoma Bravo, and Kirkland & Ellis, with approximately 90% of tenants relocating from major markets like New York and Los Angeles.

Broader Market Shows Signs of Strain

However, this success story masks broader challenges in Miami’s office market. According to Avison Young’s third-quarter market report, the city is experiencing its slowest leasing activity since 2020. Total leasing volume reached just over 2.5 million square feet year-to-date, significantly down from around four million square feet during the same period in 2022.

The average deal size has notably contracted, dropping to 3,682 square feet from 4,581 square feet last year, reflecting a wider trend of companies reassessing their office space needs. This reduction in average lease size suggests a more cautious approach from traditional office users, even as premium spaces command record rates.

A Tale of Two Markets

This divergence creates a fascinating market dynamic: while luxury office space in Miami remains scarce and increasingly expensive, the broader market is grappling with changing workplace patterns and reduced demand. The success of premium properties like 830 Brickell has spurred new development, with over 1.8 million square feet of office space currently under construction, including Citadel founder Ken Griffin’s ambitious $1 billion waterfront development project.

Looking Ahead

Despite the overall slowdown in leasing activity, there are positive signs for the market’s resilience. Return-to-office metrics show improving attendance, particularly on Mondays and Fridays, with law firms leading the charge at a 97% increase in office attendance since August of last year.

The contrast between record-setting rents and declining leasing activity presents both challenges and opportunities for Miami’s office market. As new premium inventory comes online and workplace patterns continue to evolve, the market’s ability to balance these opposing forces will be crucial for its long-term health.

Billy Joel Lists Long Island Estate for $49.9 Million

The legendary rockstar is selling the property he once admired as a teenager while dredging oysters.

“Piano Man” Billy Joel has listed his grand Centre Island estate in Long Island for $49.9 million. According to The New York Times, the 26-acre property, dubbed “MiddleSea,” features a main house, a beach house, and two guest houses, totaling 18 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms.

The property’s acquisition story is particularly meaningful: Joel first spotted the mansion as a teenager while working as an oyster dredger in the surrounding waters. Living in working-class Hicksville at the time, young William Martin Joel could never have imagined he would one day own the very same mansion he gazed at from his boat.

The estate, purchased in 2002, includes three swimming pools, a bowling alley, a helipad, and over 2,000 feet of private beach – a rare feature in Long Island’s “Gold Coast.”

Joel, 75, has decided to sell the property primarily for family reasons, having relocated to Florida where his two youngest daughters attend school.

Photo via Instagram

Fifth Avenue’s $4B Makeover: NYC’s Bold Bet On Luxury Retail’s Future

In a move that could reshape Manhattan’s premier retail corridor and dramatically impact billions in real estate values, New York City has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Fifth Avenue for the first time in two centuries. The historic redesign signals a strategic pivot in how America’s largest city approaches its high-value commercial districts in a post-pandemic landscape.

The Billion-Dollar Boulevard

The numbers tell a compelling story: Fifth Avenue’s transformation targets a stretch responsible for $111.5 billion in annual economic output and 313,000 jobs. Recent market activity underscores the corridor’s enduring appeal:

  • Over $3.9 billion in commercial real estate transactions in recent months
  • Third-quarter asking rents surged 9% to $2,257 per square foot
  • Record-low retail vacancy rates, according to JLL research
  • An estimated 23,000 pedestrians per hour during peak seasons—surpassing Madison Square Garden’s capacity

“This isn’t just about streetscape improvements—it’s about protecting and enhancing one of the world’s most valuable retail and real estate corridors,” says Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association and co-chair of the Future of Fifth Steering Committee.

The Master Plan

The transformation, led by engineering firms Arcadis and Sam Schwartz alongside landscape architect Field Operations, includes:

  • 46% expansion of pedestrian space
  • Reduction from five to three traffic lanes
  • Enhanced street lighting and urban forestry
  • Shortened crosswalks for improved pedestrian flow

ROI: The Real Estate Perspective

The project’s self-funding projection—expected to pay for itself within five years through increased property and sales tax revenue—has caught the attention of real estate investors. Recent market validation includes:

  • Uniqlo’s strategic acquisition of its Fifth Avenue flagship
  • Luxury powerhouses Prada and Kering’s property investments
  • Continued strong leasing activity despite market headwinds

Proof of Concept

The city’s 2022 holiday season pedestrianization pilot provided compelling data:

  • $3 million in additional merchant revenue
  • 6.6% increase in spending compared to non-pedestrianized blocks
  • Successful test case for the larger transformation

Beyond Fifth Avenue

This initiative represents a broader strategy to reinvigorate Manhattan’s commercial corridors. Two blocks east, Park Avenue is undergoing its own transformation, suggesting a coordinated approach to upgrading New York’s prime business districts.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how cities approach their high-value commercial corridors,” says [Leading Real Estate Expert], managing director at [Major Commercial Real Estate Firm]. “The Fifth Avenue redesign could serve as a blueprint for other global cities looking to future-proof their premium retail districts.”

Looking Ahead

With preliminary planning work scheduled for completion by summer 2025, the real estate community is watching closely. The project’s success could set new standards for how cities balance pedestrian-friendly spaces with premium retail environments.

For real estate investors, developers, and retailers, the message is clear: New York City is betting big on the future of physical retail and pedestrian-friendly spaces. As Fifth Avenue prepares for its most significant transformation in 200 years, the project stands as a testament to the enduring value of prime urban retail corridors in the modern city landscape.

Source: CoStar News

Floyd Mayweather Acquires $402 Million Real Estate Portfolio In New York City

Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., who retired from professional fighting in 2017 with a 50-0 record, is making a major real estate play in New York City.

According to TMZ Sports, the 47-year-old has purchased over 60 apartment buildings containing more than 1,000 units across upper Manhattan for a total of $402 million. Mayweather’s goal is to provide affordable housing for struggling families in the area.

“Growing up I used to dream about owning just one home by myself. When you work hard, you can achieve anything,” Mayweather said in a statement to TMZ.

The purchase is the latest in a long line of lucrative business ventures for Mayweather, who is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest and most financially successful athletes of all time. His record-breaking fight against Manny Pacquiao in 2015 generated $600 million, with Mayweather pocketing an estimated $250 million. He then earned a reported $275 million for his 2017 fight with UFC star Conor McGregor, bringing his career earnings over the $1 billion mark.

Even in retirement, Mayweather has found ways to keep the money rolling in. He’s participated in several high-profile exhibition matches, including bouts with WWE Superstar Logan Paul and boxer John Gotti III. Mayweather is also the founder of Mayweather Promotions, a boxing promotion company that has signed and promoted numerous notable fighters since its inception in 2007.

This latest real estate move signals that Mayweather is looking to diversify his investments and create a lasting legacy beyond his Hall of Fame boxing career. With his unparalleled earning power and business acumen, it’s clear that “Money” Mayweather is as formidable in the boardroom as he was in the ring.

Photo via Instagram

Rockefeller Legacy: From Personal Drama to Real Estate Triumph

In the ever-evolving landscape of New York City real estate, few names carry as much weight as Rockefeller. From scandalous personal histories to groundbreaking new attractions and high-stakes financial maneuvers, the Rockefeller legacy continues to shape the city’s skyline and capture the public’s imagination.

The Woman Behind the Legend

The recent passing of Megan Marshack at 70 has reignited interest in one of the most intriguing chapters of the Rockefeller saga. As a young aide to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Marshack found herself at the center of a media storm following the former vice president’s sudden death in 1979. For decades, she maintained a steadfast silence about their relationship, fueling endless speculation.

In a final act of discretion – or perhaps revelation – Marshack penned her own obituary, offering tantalizing hints about her association with Rockefeller. Quoting the musical “A Chorus Line,” she wrote that she “won’t forget, can’t regret what I did for love.” This cryptic farewell leaves real estate enthusiasts and history buffs alike to ponder the true nature of their connection and its impact on the Rockefeller empire.

Rockefeller Center: Rising to New Heights

While the past may be shrouded in mystery, Rockefeller Center is firmly focused on the future. The iconic complex has unveiled its latest attraction: Skylift, a jaw-dropping ride that elevates visitors 900 feet above the city for breathtaking 360-degree views.

This $35 add-on to the Top of the Rock experience represents more than just a thrilling ride; it’s a bold statement about the enduring appeal of prime real estate. In a city where views are currency, Rockefeller Center is literally raising the bar, offering an unparalleled perspective on the Manhattan skyline.

Financial Fortitude in Uncertain Times

As impressive as the new Skylift may be, the real high-wire act is happening behind the scenes. Tishman Speyer, the owner of Rockefeller Center, is seeking a staggering $3.5 billion refinancing deal. In a market where office properties are struggling, this move is being closely watched as a potential bellwether for the industry.

With a 95% occupancy rate and diverse income streams from office tenants, retail spaces, NBC Studios, and tourist attractions, Rockefeller Center stands out as a beacon of stability in choppy waters. If successful, this refinancing could signal a turning point for high-quality office properties, separating the wheat from the chaff in a sector battered by remote work trends and economic uncertainty.

The Future of Urban Real Estate

The Rockefeller Center saga encapsulates the challenges and opportunities facing urban real estate in the post-pandemic era. While many office buildings struggle with high vacancy rates and uncertain futures, prime properties in iconic locations are proving their resilience.

Investors and lenders are becoming increasingly discerning, favoring well-maintained, amenity-rich buildings in prime locations. The success or failure of Rockefeller Center’s refinancing bid could set the tone for the market, potentially unlocking capital for other top-tier properties while leaving less desirable assets out in the cold.

As New York City and other urban centers grapple with the changing nature of work and city life, the Rockefeller name once again finds itself at the center of the conversation. From personal intrigue to architectural innovation and high-stakes finance, the Rockefeller legacy continues to shape the very fabric of the city – one story, and one skyscraper, at a time.

Photo via Rockefeller Center


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Columbus International operates in the United States under the aegis of Keller Williams NYC and Living RE srl in Italy