Bruce Makowsky
Bruce Makowsky | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, real estate developer |
| Known for | Setting national record with $250 million Bel Air residence listing |
Bruce Makowsky (born 1956) is a prominent American entrepreneur and real estate developer. In 2017, he set a national record by listing a Bel Air residence at $250 million, making it the most expensive home on the U.S. market at that time; the property eventually sold for $94 million in October 2019.
Career
Makowsky initially established a successful fashion enterprise in New York, distributing designer handbags through more than 1,300 department stores as well as QVC. Together with his wife, Kathy Van Zeeland, he managed flagship brands such as Kathy Van Zeeland Handbags, B. Makowsky, and Tignanello for three decades before divesting the company to Hong Kong–based Li & Fung Ltd in 2008.
He launched BAM Luxury Development, specializing in upscale residential projects located within a 10-mile radius of Los Angeles' Westside. After acquiring an oceanfront property in Malibu in 2010, Makowsky invested in a 12,500-square-foot villa designed in European style situated in Beverly Park.
In 2013, Makowsky acquired a residence on Sunset Strip for $5.3 million, renovated it extensively, and sold it for $19 million the following year. Later in 2014, he purchased a home in Trousdale Estates at $12.65 million, upgraded the property, and listed it at $65 million. That same year, he put an 8-bedroom, 15-bath Beverly Hills mansion on the market for $85 million.
Also during 2014, Makowsky sold a sprawling 22,300-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills to Markus Persson, creator of Minecraft, for $70 million—a record sale for that neighborhood—boasting features such as an infinity pool, candy wall, and a car turntable.
In January 2017, Makowsky introduced the Bel Air estate known as Billionaire with an asking price of $250 million, marking it as the priciest home available nationwide at that moment; the listing was reduced to $188 million by April 2018. This price exceeded previous high-profile sales including the $100 million Playboy Mansion and a $150 million property in Holmby Hills.
Constructed by BAM Luxury Development with design influences drawn from luxury megayachts, the Billionaire spans four levels and encompasses 38,000 square feet. It features 12 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, three kitchens, a James Bond–inspired theater seating 40 guests, an infinity pool equipped with a swim-up bar, and two separate wine cellars. The residence showcases 130 pieces of artwork alongside a collection of luxury automobiles such as a limited edition Bugatti Veyron and Pagani Huayra displayed within its 12-car garage.
The project required over four years to complete and furnish on a 1.2-acre parcel acquired from NFL athlete Michael Strahan in 2013.
Net worth
Bruce Makowsky's net worth is estimated to be around US$100 million.