One of the biggest news stories out of the U.S. at the moment is the outrageous price American investor and billionaire hedge funder manager Ken Griffin has paid for his new New York digs, confirming his unofficial title as the โtrophy hunter.โ
This purchase is actually the latest in a string that can only be referred to as absolutely bonkers. Here are five of Ken Griffinโs most ludicrous acquisitions โ residential or otherwise.
1. Blossom Estate, Florida โ $82.8 Million
Although the financial juggernaut spends most of his time in his $82.8 million* Chicago home, every man needs a coastal getaway. For Ken Griffin, that coastal getaway included the purchase of three occupied lots and one unoccupied lot, which were all cleared to make way for one massive home valued at $183.4 million. โBlossom Estateโ is situated on Palm Beach, Floridaโs prized waterfront real-estate.
2. Donation to Harvard University โ $211.7 Million
Not all of Ken Griffinโs spendings are selfish. Some, like donating $211.7 million to his alma mater of Harvard University, are considerably selfless acts. The money was donated with the intention of funding programs that see disadvantaged kids get an education at one of the worldโs finest institution. All class.
3. 3 Carlton Gardens โ $151 Million
For his trips across the pond, Ken Griffin recently purchased Londonโs most expensive property sold in over a decade. โ3 Carlton Gardensโ is nestled among the famed Carlton House Terrace, just down the road from Buckingham Palace. I suppose popping down to Aunty Lizโs place for a cup of tea is worth 151 mil.
4. Art โ $900 Million
Considered one of the worldโs most active art collectors, Ken Griffin has been on the Board of Trustees for the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Griffinโs initial big art buy was for $84.7 million in 1999 and since then heโs worked up quite a portfolio.
Most notably was when, in 2006, Griffin bought Willem de Kooningโs Interchange for $423.6 million and Jackson Pollockโs Number 17A for $282.4 million in the same purchase.
5. 220 Central Park South โ $336 Million
Finally, what weโre all here for, is the record-shattering $336 million purchase of Americaโs most expensive home at 220 Central Park South, New York. Thatโs quite a bit to fork out, especially considering Ken Griffin doesnโt even call NY home.
If you want to even hope to make the kind of coin Ken Griffin does, youโd best have at least a few of these 6 โwealth factors.โ
*All figures are in AUD.
