Billionaire real estate investor Tom Barrack, known as an advisor and major supporter of former President Donald Trump, is exiting a prime 18,000 square meter (193,750 sq ft) development in the heart of Florence, Italy after a decade of ownership before the site’s transformation into luxury residences could be completed.
Through his Colony Capital investment firm, Barrack in 2013 acquired the former headquarters of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze bank on the prestigious Via Bufalini near the iconic Piazza Brunelleschi. Plans called for converting the historic property into upscale condos and apartments designed by the acclaimed Genius Loci architecture firm.
The Arab-American tycoon, a close friend of Trump for over 30 years who chaired the former president’s 2017 inaugural committee, was arrested in 2021 on charges of illegally lobbying on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. Barrack, whose other major deals included buying and flipping the luxury Costa Smeralda resort from the Aga Khan and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, is now selling the unfinished Florence renovation project. The buyer is an Italian real estate fund founded by Eugenio Radice Fossati.
While the sale price was not disclosed, the property’s coveted address between the Arno River and Florence’s iconic Duomo cathedral ensures it will command a top premium. The new owners aim to complete the upscale residential conversion at this crossroads of art, finance and la dolce vita in Tuscany’s Renaissance capital.
Source: Repubblica Firenze