Kanye West’s infamous Malibu mansion — a Tadao Ando-designed masterpiece that West left dilapidated and abandoned — has miraculously survived the devastating California wildfires, according to its new owner.
The news was first reported by Realtor.com.
West bought the beachfront property, a once stunning architectural marvel, in 2021 for an eye-watering $57.25 million.
The rapper, 47, quickly stripped the home to its concrete frame in an alleged attempt to turn it into a futuristic bomb shelter.
The drastic renovation was never completed, leaving the property exposed and causing a backlash from architecture buffs worldwide.
After failing to pursue the project, West attempted to offload the dilapidated property for $53 million in January 2024.
Even with the help of celebrity realtor Jason Oppenheim, the shell of a house struggled to attract buyers.
The price eventually dropped to $39 million before developer Steve “Bo” Belmont of Belwood Investments picked it up for just $21 million — a shocking loss for West.
Belmont now reports that the property has survived the massive wildfires that have burned more than 40,000 acres across Los Angeles.
“I am relieved to report that, so far, all of our properties in West Hollywood and Malibu have been unaffected by the fires,” Belmont announced in a video posted on Belwood Investments’ Instagram account.
The Palisades Fire, which broke out in January. 7, has already destroyed dozens of homes, including an $8.4 million beachfront property owned by Paris Hilton.
Despite the extensive destruction, Belmont confirmed that renovation crews at West’s former residence are “safe and ready,” ready to resume work as soon as conditions improve.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our team and the integrity of our projects during this challenging time,” Belmont said. “Our hearts go out to all the victims of the fires and we stand in solidarity with the affected communities.”
Belmont, who turned to real estate after serving three years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, made waves with his bold purchase.
The Malibu estate is the most expensive acquisition in his company’s history and is set to be one of its most ambitious restoration projects.
Originally commissioned in 2013 by financier Richard Sachs, the 4,000-square-foot concrete and steel home was designed to withstand the elements. Built on sand and anchored by 12 massive caissons driven 60 meters into a bedrock, the minimalist four-bedroom, five-bathroom residence was designed for luxury and sustainability.
Belmont remains unfazed by the state of the residence, previously telling Realtor.com, “This is a relatively easy project compared to our other projects. The duration is 12 to 14 months with a cost estimate between 6 and 8 million dollars.
Calling the structure “built stronger than anything I’ve ever seen,” Belmont plans to work with architecture firm Marmol Radziner to restore the property to its former glory.
Its goal is a full-scale renovation and a profitable turnaround with hopes of delivering a 100% return to its investors.
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