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Miami’s Real Estate Transformation: Million-Dollar Mansions Rise as Affordable Homes Vanish

By Columbus International,11 March 2025

Miami’s skyline isn’t the only thing reaching new heights. As ultra-wealthy buyers flood the South Florida market, they’re reshaping the entire real estate landscape, creating a city where luxury properties abound while entry-level homes become relics of the past.

The Vanishing Starter Home

As per The Wall Street Journal, the statistics tell a startling story. Between 2019 and 2024, single-family homes priced below $500,000 in Miami-Dade County have plummeted by an astonishing 79.6%, according to research firm Analytics Miami. This dramatic shift coincides with hedge-fund titan Ken Griffin’s historic $100 million home purchase—the first of its kind in Miami—which seemingly opened the floodgates for similar high-end transactions.

The data reveals the complete transformation of Miami’s housing market. What was once a city with diverse housing options has rapidly evolved into a playground for the ultra-wealthy, with profound implications for everyone else.

The Griffin Effect

Griffin’s record-breaking purchase wasn’t just a headline—it was a harbinger. Since that landmark transaction, Miami has experienced an unprecedented surge in eight and nine-figure home sales, reshaping market expectations and pricing strategies throughout the region.

Griffin’s statement purchase validates Miami as a true luxury destination on par with New York, London, and Hong Kong. This landmark transaction has influenced other wealthy individuals to see Miami differently—not just as a vacation spot but as a place to establish a significant presence.

The trend has accelerated further with Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin’s recent sale of his Star Island estate for a staggering $120 million—setting a new record for Miami-Dade County. The property, which Doronin purchased from retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal for $16 million in 2009, represents a remarkable 650% return on investment. According to reports from The Real Deal and the South Florida Business Journal, the luxurious residence is rumored to be a teardown purchase, signaling that even trophy properties may be viewed as merely land acquisitions in today’s ultra-luxury market.

Economic Ripple Effects

This transformation extends far beyond real estate statistics. As affordable inventory disappears, Miami’s workforce—the teachers, healthcare workers, and service industry employees who keep the city functioning—face increasingly untenable housing situations.

Average earners now commute from ever-distant suburbs, with some traveling more than 90 minutes each way to reach jobs in Miami’s core. This migration creates additional pressure on transportation infrastructure while simultaneously altering the demographic makeup of Florida’s most dynamic city.

There’s a real risk of Miami becoming a tale of two cities—one populated by the ultra-wealthy and the other by those who serve them, with very little in between. The ongoing middle-class exodus threatens the diversity and vibrancy that made Miami special in the first place.

Investment Drivers

Several factors fuel this market transformation. Florida’s favorable tax environment, combined with Miami’s international appeal and lifestyle amenities, creates perfect conditions for wealth migration. The pandemic accelerated these trends, as remote work capabilities allowed executives from high-tax states to relocate permanently.

Miami offers what wealthy individuals from New York, California, and international locations seek: financial advantages, cultural dynamism, and extraordinary quality of life. This isn’t a temporary trend—it’s a fundamental realignment of where capital and influence concentrate in America.

The New Normal?

Industry experts debate whether this market shift represents a permanent change or a cyclical extreme. Some point to similar patterns in cities like San Francisco and New York, suggesting Miami will eventually reach a new equilibrium that accommodates diverse income levels.

Others see Miami’s transformation as more profound and potentially irreversible. The combination of limited developable land, strong international demand, and climate-related challenges to new construction creates unique pressures that may permanently alter the city’s housing ecosystem.

The $500,000 single-family home in Miami-Dade isn’t just endangered—it’s practically extinct. Looking ahead, the market will need to completely rethink how housing functions in this region, because the old paradigms simply no longer apply.

For now, the city continues its remarkable metamorphosis, with each eight-figure transaction further cementing Miami’s status as America’s newest ultra-luxury real estate capital—and pushing the prospect of affordable homeownership further beyond reach for everyone else.

This article represents analysis based on current market conditions and expert opinions. Real estate investments involve risk, and market conditions may change.

For inquiries regarding distinguished Miami properties—whether for acquisition or divestment—the esteemed real estate professionals at Columbus International remain at your service. info@columbusintl.com

De Niro’s Ex-Wife Sells Central Park West Co-Op at $2.9M Loss

By Columbus International,10 March 2025

In a notable shift within Manhattan’s luxury real estate market, Grace Hightower has finalized the sale of her Central Park West residence for $18 million, according to public records. The transaction represents a $2.9 million loss from the $20.9 million that Hightower and her former husband, actor Robert De Niro, originally invested in the property in 2006.

The five-bedroom duplex in the prestigious Brentford building was initially listed at $20 million in May, reflecting the current downward pressure on Manhattan’s co-op market. Leonard Steinberg of Compass, who represented the listing, acknowledged to the Wall Street Journal that “co-ops have gotten pretty beaten-up, pricewise” — a sentiment supported by recent market data.

The 5,700-square-foot residence underwent significant renovations following a 2012 fire that rendered it uninhabitable for approximately a year. During this period, Hightower and De Niro temporarily relocated to luxury rentals in the West Village and at 15 Central Park West.

This high-profile transaction occurs amid a broader market trend showing significant divergence between luxury and entry-level co-op segments. According to Miller Samuel data, co-ops with four or more bedrooms have seen median prices fall from $4.9 million last year to $3.5 million in 2024, while studio apartments have maintained relatively stable valuations around $420,000.

The property features premium Central Park views from its corner primary bedroom, complete with three walk-in closets. Four additional bedrooms occupy the northwest wing of the upper level, with entertaining spaces including a formal living room, dining room, and eat-in kitchen on the lower floor.

The Brentford’s prestigious address at 88 Central Park West has attracted numerous celebrities, including musician Sting and photographer Annie Leibovitz, who similarly sold her unit at a loss last February for $10.7 million. Interestingly, the unit purchased by Hightower and De Niro in 2006 was previously owned by disgraced film producer Harvey Weinstein.

While Hightower manages this real estate transition, De Niro has shifted his investment focus toward commercial development with his Wildflower Studios project in Queens. The $1 billion, 765,000-square-foot film production complex completed construction last year, positioning the actor as a significant player in New York’s entertainment infrastructure.

Source: The Real Deal

Major Investors Eye New York Office Properties as Return-to-Office Trend Accelerates

By Columbus International,8 March 2025

In a significant shift for commercial real estate, heavyweight investors including Blackstone and affluent individuals are actively pursuing office properties in New York as companies implement return-to-office policies, igniting a nascent recovery in a market that has struggled for years.

This renewed interest in New York offices could portend a broader economic revival for major urban centers worldwide, with the five-day in-person work week returning and stimulating demand for local services. The development marks a dramatic turnaround after investors consistently avoided vacant commercial spaces in the post-pandemic years.

Industry professionals across real estate investment, consulting, and banking report increasing demand for premium office spaces in New York, leading to accelerated deal activity. Several indicators support this trend: Amazon is searching for additional space, BXP is engaged in discussions with potential tenants for a new development, and Blackstone has adopted a more optimistic stance toward the sector.

Blackstone President Jonathan Gray identified compelling value opportunities in New York City and San Francisco offices during a recent conference. “In New York, you have financial services firms who are growing rapidly, you don’t have any new building,” Gray stated. He noted that in San Francisco, values had plummeted by as much as 75% in some cases, while highlighting the region’s continued importance for AI and technology innovation.

Blackstone has strategically reduced its office exposure in recent years. Office properties now represent less than 2% of its real estate portfolio, compared to more than 60% in 2007, according to company data. Industry consultants report that investors completed more office transactions last year as lease terms improved and tenant activity increased.

Among these transactions, Blackstone is pursuing a substantial stake in the office building at 1345 Avenue of the Americas in Manhattan, though the company has not commented on these investment plans. “More deals of scale are definitely coming,” observed David Giancola, senior managing director of capital markets at JLL’s New York office.

Despite the positive momentum, challenges persist for older Class B and C buildings, particularly those with unfavorable locations or configurations that make them difficult to lease, according to Ran Eliasaf, founder and managing partner at real estate private equity firm Northwind Group.

Senior industry executives cite economic growth and lower interest rates as additional factors boosting office demand. “The world is moving back to work and back to in-person work, no question about it,” said Owen D. Thomas, chairman and CEO of Boston-based real estate investment trust BXP Inc. “Real estate is a financial asset driven by interest rates, so that’s helpful,” he added.

BXP is currently in discussions with four to five potential anchor tenants for a planned 46-story tower in Midtown Manhattan, Thomas revealed. This commercial project is situated near JPMorgan Chase’s new global headquarters, which will accommodate 14,000 employees and is scheduled for completion by year-end.

Billionaire Ken Griffin’s experience illustrates the growing space constraints. When he decided to consolidate offices for his hedge fund Citadel and market-maker Citadel Securities in midtown approximately three years ago, insufficient space led him to pursue new construction instead, anticipating the wave of five-day in-office mandates now filling buildings.

Griffin has partnered with Vornado Realty Trust and Rudin Management to develop a 62-story skyscraper at 350 Park Avenue with capacity for 6,000 people. Citadel and Citadel Securities will anchor the building, projected for completion by 2032. Griffin’s employees will relocate to temporary facilities next year to allow demolition of the current 30-floor structure built in 1960.

Market improvements are reflected in cap rates, a key metric investors use to evaluate property profitability and risk. After peaking at 6.99% in Q1 2024, this indicator fell to 5.77% by year-end, signaling enhanced returns for investors, according to research firm Trepp data.

Sales volumes for U.S. commercial properties increased by 9% in 2024 after declining by half in 2023, property consultants CBRE report. Occupancy has rebounded following sharp pandemic-related declines, analysts note.

Data from commercial real estate advisory firm Avison Young shows Manhattan office utilization reached 79.9% in January 2025, compared to 66.9% across offices in major and secondary U.S. cities relative to pre-pandemic levels.

New York’s commercial buildings benefit from diverse tenants across multiple industries, including finance, insurance, and technology, according to Doug Middleton, vice chairman with CBRE’s Investment Properties group. He notes that other cities typically depend more heavily on one or two industries.

Wealthy individual investors are renewing their interest in higher-quality Class-A offices, prompting financial institutions to increase deal financing. Nishi Somaiya, Goldman Sachs’ global head of private banking, lending and deposits, observed, “Our CRE loan portfolio in the private bank is growing, which tells you that there’s a lot of demand and confidence in opportunities within the sector.”

The trend extends beyond American shores. In Europe, surging demand for premium office space is driving rents to record levels in central London, fostering investor optimism despite overall office sale volumes remaining at multi-year lows.

“People got very excited post-COVID that this was the end of the office – it was never the end of the office,” concluded Hugh White, a London-based senior director at BNP Paribas Real Estate.

Source: Reuters

Smart Investors: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Enter the Real Estate Market

By Columbus International,6 March 2025

Strategic Opportunities Emerge as Market Resets

The recent pullback in investor activity in the U.S. residential real estate market represents a significant opportunity for savvy investors ready to position themselves for the next growth cycle.

Recent Redfin data showing a 3.9% year-over-year decline in investor purchases during Q4 signals not a fundamental market weakness, but rather a strategic reset that creates ideal entry points for forward-thinking investors.

Why This Market Presents Extraordinary Value

Several factors make this an opportune moment to invest:

Reduced Competition: With investor market share dropping to 17.1% (the lowest fourth-quarter level since 2020), there’s less competition for desirable properties, creating better negotiating positions.
Regional Arbitrage Opportunities: While Florida and other markets are seeing investor pullbacks, the Bay Area is experiencing renewed interest with impressive growth: Seattle (33.8%), San Jose (21.1%), Oakland (19.4%), and San Francisco (19.1%). This regional divergence creates tactical opportunities for portfolio diversification.
Value in Low-Priced Properties: While high and mid-priced home purchases have declined, activity in low-priced homes has remained stable – highlighting where smart money is finding value in today’s market.
Appreciating Asset Values: Despite fewer purchases, the total value of investor acquisitions increased by 6.3% year-over-year to $36.5 billion, directly matching home price appreciation. This confirms real estate’s ongoing strength as a value-preservation vehicle.
Condo Market Reset: The significant drop in condo investor activity (down 13% to lowest levels since 2012) has created potentially undervalued assets that astute investors can acquire at favorable prices before the inevitable market rebound.

Strategic Investment Approach for Today’s Market

The current market conditions favor investors who:

Take a contrarian approach to cities like Orlando, Miami, and Chicago where others are retreating
Focus on value-add opportunities in condos where rising HOA fees and insurance costs have temporarily suppressed demand
Consider the Bay Area renaissance as an indicator of where growth will spread next
Use current higher interest rates to negotiate better purchase prices while preparing to refinance when rates inevitably decrease

For sophisticated investors, market pullbacks have historically represented the best entry points. The current plateau in the housing market, combined with the demonstrated resilience of property values, makes this an ideal moment to build positions before the next growth cycle begins.

Giuliani Slashes Price on NYC Penthouse Following Legal Settlement

By Columbus International,5 March 2025

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has relisted his Manhattan penthouse at a significantly reduced price following the resolution of his high-profile legal battle with two Georgia election workers, according to real estate records.

The three-bedroom Upper East Side residence hit the market Monday for $5.2 million—representing a substantial $1.4 million price reduction from its previous listing price.

This latest listing comes just days after a judge declared Giuliani had “fully satisfied” the terms of a settlement agreement with Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers who had successfully sued him for defamation. As The New York Post reported, the settlement allowed Giuliani to retain ownership of valuable assets—including this penthouse—that might otherwise have been seized to satisfy the $140 million judgment against him.

Luxury Living in Historic Landmark

The penthouse, located in the prestigious Lenox Hill neighborhood, offers luxury amenities rarely found in Manhattan’s high-end market. The property features a wood-paneled library, a wood-burning fireplace, and a glass conservatory. Previous listing photographs showcased Giuliani’s memorabilia collection, including a signed replica of Joe DiMaggio’s Yankees jersey presented to him in 2002.

Situated in a Gothic-inspired terra cotta and brick building constructed in 1906 and designated a landmark in 1977, the residence provides panoramic Central Park views. The white-glove cooperative includes full-service amenities with a monthly maintenance fee of $10,934 covering door attendants, porters, and a resident manager.

History of Price Reductions

This isn’t Giuliani’s first attempt to sell the property. According to listing history, the penthouse was initially offered in summer 2023 for $6.3 million and has undergone three separate price reductions since then.

The New York Post reported that prior to the recent legal settlement, Giuliani had made “a last-ditch bid to sell the pad at a $1 million discount” before it could potentially be seized by Freeman and Moss, who had successfully sued him after he accused them of ballot tampering during the 2020 election.

The current listing is being handled by Serena Boardman at Sotheby’s International Realty.

La Lombardia è la regione con più transazioni in Italia

Milan’s Architectural Renaissance: The Landmarks Reshaping the City for the 2026 Winter Olympics

By Columbus International,4 March 2025

From visionary designs by BIG and Renzo Piano to transformative urban developments at CityLife and Porta Romana, Milan’s skyline is evolving rapidly as the city prepares for its Olympic moment

Since hosting Expo 2015, Milan has embarked on an ambitious urban transformation journey that is fundamentally reshaping Italy’s business capital. These architectural and infrastructural developments follow a clear strategic vision: sustainable regeneration of existing urban spaces rather than expansion into undeveloped land—a choice driven by both spatial constraints and ethical considerations.

Milan’s metamorphosis spans multiple scales, from the revitalization of massive railway yards and former industrial zones to the careful renovation of historic buildings and iconic public spaces. The city is positioning itself as a global destination for excellence in services, culture, and sustainability, attracting world-class architectural talent to redefine its urban fabric.

This architectural renaissance has drawn an impressive roster of international designers including Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Renzo Piano, Snøhetta, and David Chipperfield. Their work is concentrated in key development zones like Scalo di Porta Romana, CityLife, Porta Nuova, and the historic center, with projects scheduled for completion by 2025 and in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

While the transformation promises to elevate Milan’s global profile, questions remain about whether this wave of development will benefit all segments of society or if market-driven priorities might leave certain communities behind as the city races toward its Olympic future.

Boxing Legend Floyd Mayweather Expands Real Estate Empire with $402 Million Manhattan Portfolio

By Columbus International,3 March 2025

This article is featured in the “Newsroom” section of Columbus International, a real estate boutique founded by Richard Tayar with offices in New York, Miami, Milan, and Florence. Columbus International specializes in residential, commercial, luxury real estate and investment opportunities in bridge markets between Italy and the United States.

The Undefeated Champion Takes His Winning Strategy from the Ring to New York’s Property Market

Former boxing champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. has delivered a knockout punch in the New York real estate market with his latest acquisition—a massive $402 million multi-family portfolio in Upper Manhattan. The undefeated athlete, known for his financial acumen as much as his boxing prowess, shared the news with his nearly 29.7 million Instagram followers in characteristic victory style.

“All the buildings belong to me, I don’t have no partners,” Mayweather declared in his social media announcement. “And all the retails down below on my buildings, all of them belong to me too. You can do the same. It’s all about making power moves.”

The impressive portfolio includes 62 multifamily properties comprising more than 1,000 units, many of which are rent-stabilized, according to earlier reporting by The Real Deal. The acquisition was made through Mayweather’s real estate investment firm, Vada Properties.

Building a Diversified Real Estate Portfolio

This Upper Manhattan investment represents just one component of Mayweather’s rapidly expanding real estate empire. The boxing legend has demonstrated strategic diversification across various property segments:

A $100 million investment in a $3 billion luxury rental portfolio joint venture, including The Copper’s twin residential towers in Murray Hill
Another $100 million investment across nine skyscrapers in partnership with SL Green, New York City’s largest commercial landlord
An 18-asset deal in November spanning properties in New York, Chicago, and Jersey City, marking his entry into office real estate
Personal residential moves including the purchase of a five-bedroom unit in the Baccarat Hotel and Residences in Midtown Manhattan

Luxury Living and Strategic Divestments

Mayweather’s personal real estate portfolio has seen significant activity as well. The Post’s Gimme Shelter reported on his New York house hunt late last year, which included touring a $150,000-per-month Soho bachelor pad and a Gilded Age mansion before settling on his Baccarat residence.

The entrepreneur has also been strategically divesting properties, selling a $22 million home in Miami’s Biscayne Bay last year and recently listing his $12.5 million Las Vegas mansion.

Beyond Real Estate: Sports Ownership Aspirations

As Mayweather celebrates his 48th birthday, the billionaire’s increased presence in New York City isn’t solely attributed to his real estate ventures. Reports suggest he’s exploring potential plans to purchase a minority stake in the New York Giants alongside business partner and real estate magnate Meyer Orbach.

Mayweather’s aggressive expansion into real estate comes at a time when many investors have retreated due to high borrowing costs, particularly in the affordable housing segment. This countercyclical approach aligns with the boxing champion’s career-long strategy of identifying opportunities where others see obstacles.

“Over 1,000 apartments, I’m just getting started,” Mayweather stated confidently in his Instagram post, suggesting this latest knockout acquisition is merely the opening round in his real estate championship bout.

Italian Luxury Powerhouse Boggi Milano Makes Bold U.S. Entry with New York Flagship

By Columbus International,27 February 2025

Boggi Milano, the sophisticated Italian menswear brand with a global footprint spanning 58 countries, has officially planted its flag in the U.S. market with the grand opening of its first American retail location in New York City’s fashionable SoHo district.

The 1,900-square-foot boutique at 115 Mercer Street represents just the initial phase of an aggressive expansion strategy. The luxury retailer has already secured leases for two additional high-profile Manhattan locations: an impressive 8,810-square-foot, two-story space at 527 Madison Avenue (corner of 54th Street) slated to open this spring, and a 6,000-square-foot, dual-level store at The Shops at 10 Columbus Circle, expected to welcome customers this summer.

This strategic U.S. market entry comes at a poignant moment for the company, following the recent passing of CEO and owner Carlo Zaccardi. “In these last months, Carlo taught us what it meant to fight,” said Claudio Zaccardi in a statement to Spin Off. “Carlo was a tireless worker, even his last day was spent working with his co-workers.”

Carlo Zaccardi, along with brothers Claudio and Roberto, acquired the Boggi Milano brand in 2003, transforming it into a retail powerhouse with more than 225 stores worldwide. At just 58, his untimely death after a lengthy illness left what his brother described as “a great void but at the same time an immense legacy of values and strategy.”

The Milan-headquartered brand has built its reputation on contemporary men’s tailored clothing, sportswear, and accessories, distinguishing itself through a commitment to sustainability with organic fibers, recycled materials, and innovative fabric technologies. The company’s dedication to excellence extends to its workforce, evidenced by the 2016 launch of the Boggi Milano Academy, an internal program focused on employee development and staying ahead of global fashion trends.

Industry observers will be watching closely as this Italian luxury contender establishes its American presence in one of the world’s most competitive retail markets.

Source: Fashion United
Image: Instagram – Boggi Milano

Residence Marina 35: Where Luxury Meets the Mediterranean

By Columbus International,26 February 202526 February 2025

In the world of luxury real estate, location remains the ultimate differentiator. Yet rarely does a development so perfectly embody the intersection of natural beauty, sophisticated design, and lifestyle potential as Residence Marina 35 at Puntone di Scarlino – a place where the authentic essence of Tuscan coastal living meets contemporary luxury.

The New Standard of Mediterranean Living

Nestled along Tuscany’s pristine coastline in the heart of Maremma, Residence Marina 35 represents more than just premium real estate—it embodies a particular philosophy of living. Situated between Via Garibaldi and Via della Dogana in the entrance area to Marina di Scarlino, the development’s 35 meticulously designed residences, ranging from 50 to 90 square meters, offer discerning buyers a rare opportunity to secure their place in one of Italy’s most coveted coastal enclaves.

Residence Marina 35 | Schedule a private tour today!

What distinguishes Residence Marina 35 is its harmonious integration with both the natural landscape and the cultural fabric of Tuscany. Each residence is positioned to maximize the breathtaking sea views while providing immediate access to the sophisticated amenities of Marina di Scarlino—which is more than just a port, but a veritable ‘citadel of the sea’ offering high-quality sailing services, beautiful boutiques, excellent hospitality, and cultural initiatives.

The Maremma region itself adds a layer of authenticity to the development, with its ancestral Etruscan heritage and distinctive character. Comprising about a quarter of Tuscany’s territory between the provinces of Livorno and Grosseto, this microcosm blends sea, hill, and mountain landscapes with rich cultural traditions and renowned culinary offerings.

Design That Transcends Trends

In an era where luxury developments often prioritize ostentation over substance, Residence Marina 35 takes a more nuanced approach. Composed of two distinct building bodies with four floors above ground plus a basement level for vehicle parking, the architectural vision embraces clean lines and open spaces, utilizing materials that reference the region’s natural palette.

The high plane-volumetric configuration of the site has allowed for the mitigation of the visual impact of the buildings with respect to the environmental context. Despite having four floors above ground, the structures remain lower than surrounding buildings, giving the intervention an appropriate urban connection.

To enhance the Mediterranean climatic characteristics, the design features flat roofs and strongly overhanging terraces that effectively extend the interior living space to the outdoors, allowing residents to enjoy both the sun and panoramic sea views.

The penthouses, undoubtedly the crown jewels of the development, occupy the second and third floors with approximately 90 square meters of space. Accessible via an exclusive internal staircase leading to a large open-space living area, these units feature expansive terraces that crown the buildings and blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor living—a hallmark of Mediterranean lifestyle. These spaces are designed not merely as viewpoints but as extensions of the living area, suitable for everything from intimate dinners to larger social gatherings.

Strategic Position in the Global Context

For the international investor, Residence Marina 35 offers compelling strategic advantages. Its location provides exceptional connectivity to both celebrated destinations and hidden gems of the Mediterranean.

Marina di Scarlino is truly a sailor’s paradise. The deep Gulf of Follonica and the adjacent hills of the natural parks create a mild microclimate with ideal sea and wind conditions in every season.

The maritime connections are particularly impressive: Elba Island sits just 16 nautical miles offshore, while Corsica can be reached in a day’s sailing (60 nautical miles) and Sardinia in two days (120 nautical miles). The development also borders the islands of the National Park—Capraia, Gorgona, Pianosa, Montecristo, Giglio, and Giannutri—positioning Residence Marina 35 at the center of the Mediterranean’s yachting culture.

Meanwhile, the cultural riches of Florence, Siena, and Pisa are all easily accessible, along with the charming San Gimignano and Grosseto. This creates the perfect balance between coastal serenity and urban sophistication, complemented by excellent road, rail, and airport connections to major cities including Rome and Milan.

Investment Perspective

The Tuscan coast has historically demonstrated remarkable resilience in property values, even during global market fluctuations. Residence Marina 35 enters this market as a premium product with limited supply—a combination that traditionally supports long-term value appreciation.

The development is seeing significant interest from both European and North American buyers. Many are attracted by the investment potential, but ultimately, they’re compelled by the lifestyle proposition—the blend of Tuscan authenticity with contemporary luxury.

A Development With Distinction

What separates Residence Marina 35 from comparable developments is its holistic approach to luxury living. Rather than focusing exclusively on the properties themselves, Columbus International has considered the entire living experience—from the convenience of private basement parking to the thoughtful design of each residence type.

The development offers remarkable versatility in its residential offerings. The ground floor units (approximately 50 square meters) have direct access from the common courtyard and feature functional layouts optimized for couples. The first-floor apartments come in two configurations—70 and 80 square meters—both featuring open-space living areas with the option to separate the kitchen from the living room. The upper-floor apartments and penthouses provide the ultimate in Mediterranean living with their generous terraces and panoramic views.

Aesthetics and function, elegance and simplicity, personality and comfort are the guiding principles behind the development. Refined interior environments and attention to detail characterize each housing unit, with projects designed to meet the different needs of future residents.

This attention to lifestyle extends to the natural environment as well. Beyond the development itself lies a dense map of zero-kilometer destinations—from marine parks to unspoiled coves like the nearby Cala Violina—allowing residents to experience an authentic corner of Tuscany from enogastronomic, cultural, artistic, and landscape perspectives.

Looking Ahead

As global wealth continues to seek refuge in tangible assets that offer both lifestyle benefits and investment security, developments like Residence Marina 35 represent an important evolution in luxury real estate. By combining location excellence, architectural distinction, and lifestyle integration, Columbus International has created a compelling proposition for the discerning buyer.

The structures themselves, made of reinforced concrete and insulated with thermal blocks, have been conceived with architectural simplicity to facilitate modular internal distribution that’s as flexible as possible—adaptable to both tourist and residential needs. The apartments on upper floors are accessible from multiple stairwells and elevators that lead to common distribution balconies and individual housing units, ensuring privacy and convenience.

Residence Marina 35 invites potential owners to immerse themselves in la dolce vita at this exclusive new development in Puntone di Scarlino. This project represents the quintessence of Italy: beauty, art, history, and breathtaking landscapes, with the Maremma adding the special ingredient of authenticity.

With construction progressing on schedule and several units already reserved through private viewings across both building structures (designated B1 and B2), interested parties are encouraged to contact Columbus International directly to arrange a consultation.

Columbus International is a premier real estate development firm specializing in luxury properties throughout the Mediterranean region. With a portfolio spanning multiple countries and decades of experience, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for discerning investors seeking exceptional real estate opportunities.

For more information about Residence Marina 35 or to schedule a private viewing, contact info@columbusintl.com. Discover how you can make this authentic corner of Tuscany your own Mediterranean sanctuary.

The Art of Discovery: Justine Wheeler Koons Emerges From the Shadows

By Columbus International,26 February 202526 February 2025

In the vibrant landscape of New York’s art scene, a powerful new voice has emerged – one that has been quietly developing in the wings of one of contemporary art’s most recognizable names. Justine Wheeler Koons, wife of the renowned Jeff Koons, has unveiled her debut solo exhibition “Myth” at the prestigious Salon 94 gallery, marking a significant moment not just for the artist herself, but for the cultural tapestry of New York City.

At Columbus International, where we connect discerning clients with extraordinary spaces across New York, Miami, Milan, and Florence, we understand that true luxury is found in authenticity and self-expression. Wheeler Koons’ exhibition presents twelve meticulously crafted glazed stoneware sculptures that reveal a deeply personal artistic journey.

In an essay by William J. Simons, Wheeler Koons spoke of the works in the exhibition as “a personal archaeology, a journey to uncover what lies within, hidden beneath the mass of accumulated experiences.” This sentiment resonates with our approach to real estate – every property tells a story, every space holds possibilities waiting to be uncovered.

The exhibition features what Salon 94 founder Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn describes as “a blue torso of Venus—irresistibly covered in carved replicas of toys, shaped cookies, and beads.” This striking piece exemplifies Wheeler Koons’ unique aesthetic vision.

For those who navigate New York’s elite cultural circles, Wheeler Koons has long been a fascinating presence. While her husband’s sculptures have dominated museum spaces and broken auction records, Justine has cultivated her own creative path. Since 2015, she has run the jewelry line Gus & Al with Alison Brokaw, and her colorful artworks have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar and The New York Times.

What makes this exhibition particularly compelling is the artist’s journey. In a 2015 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Wheeler Koons revealed how she returned to painting after suffering postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest son. “For the first time ever, I just knew I had to save myself somehow, and the only way I could think of was going back to the studio and painting so there was something of me left in the picture. Painting is quite a healing process,” she shared.

Wheeler Koons described to Harper’s Bazaar how, after taking “a ton of photos” while traveling with her family, she would composite them into a collage. “It has a narrative and a story for me—a lot about looking and being looked at and ways of masking yourself.”

When asked if her works would ever be on display in a gallery, Wheeler Koons candidly replied, “I don’t think I can. Jeff has a very big shadow. He casts a really big shadow. That’s why I wanted to do the jewelry. It’s creative but completely different from Jeff’s work.”

Now, years later, Wheeler Koons has stepped confidently into the spotlight with sculptures that speak to her unique perspective as an artist, mother, and curator.

For our clients at Columbus International, Wheeler Koons’ artistic emergence parallels the journey many take in finding their ideal home – moving beyond expectations to discover authentic self-expression. Her work reminds us that the most meaningful spaces, like the most meaningful art, reflect not just aesthetic preferences but personal histories and aspirations.

“Myth” opened on February 19th, presenting twelve glazed stoneware sculptures all produced in 2024 or earlier this year. For collectors, design enthusiasts, and those who appreciate the intersection of art and life, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the debut of an artist who has been developing her vision while balancing family life and her own creative pursuits.

Source and Images: Salon 94

Columbus International is a luxury real estate boutique with offices in New York, Miami, Milan, and Florence, specializing in exceptional properties for discerning clients who value authenticity, culture, and uncompromising quality.