Kanye West’s Tadao Ando-designed Malibu mansion, which he left gutted and abandoned, has survived the devastating California wildfires, according to its new owner. West bought the beachfront property in 2021 for $57.25 million, as first reported by Realtor.com.
The rapper, 47, stripped the $57.25 million Malibu mansion in an attempt to transform it into a futuristic bomb shelter, but the renovation was never completed. The exposed structure drew criticism from architecture enthusiasts globally, as reported by the New York Post.
In January 2024, West tried to sell the unfinished property for $53 million, but even with celebrity realtor Jason Oppenheim’s help, it struggled to attract buyers.
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The mansion, once listed for $57.25 million, eventually sold to developer Steve “Bo” Belmont of Belwood Investments for just $21 million—a massive financial loss for West.
Belmont now confirms the property has survived the wildfires that have burned over 40,000 acres across Los Angeles.
“I’m relieved to report that, as of now, all of our properties in West Hollywood and Malibu have remained untouched by the wildfires,” Belmont announced in a video posted to Belwood Investments’ Instagram account.
The Palisades Fire, which began on January 7, has destroyed dozens of homes, including Paris Hilton’s $8.4 million beachfront property.
Despite the widespread damage, developer Belmont confirmed that renovation crews at West’s former Malibu mansion are safe and prepared to resume work once conditions allow.
“We’re 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 of the victims of the fires, and we stand in solidarity with the affected communities.”
Belmont, who transitioned into real estate after serving three years in prison for assault with a deadly weapon, made headlines with his bold $21 million purchase of West’s former Malibu mansion.
The property marks the most expensive acquisition in his company’s history and is set to be its most ambitious restoration project.
Originally commissioned in 2013 by financier Richard Sachs, the 4,000-square-foot concrete and steel home was designed for luxury and resilience, built on sand and reinforced by 12 massive caissons driven 60 feet into bedrock.
Belmont remains undeterred by the mansion’s condition, previously telling Realtor.com, “This is a relatively easy project in comparison to our other projects. Length of time is 12 to 14 months with a cost projection between $6 million and $8 million.”
Belmont praised the mansion, describing it as “built stronger than anything I’ve ever seen” and revealed plans to collaborate with architecture firm Marmol Radziner to fully restore the property.
His goal is a complete renovation and a profitable flip, aiming to deliver a 100% return for his investors.
