realestate

Luxury Real Estate's Most Coveted Projects Revealed at the Upfronts

The Society Group and WSJ present L.A. event highlights off-market sales importance following January fires.

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os Angeles' top luxury real estate brokers gathered at The London West Hollywood in Beverly Hills to preview the city's hottest upcoming developments and exclusive off-market properties. The Upfronts, presented by The Society Group and the Wall Street Journal, has become a must-attend event for high-powered agents looking to stay ahead of the curve.

    On stage, Christie's International's Cindy Ambuhel and Tomer Fridman, along with RE Socal's Scott Moore, showcased three off-market homes, including a 9,000-square-foot Brentwood estate designed by Michael Kovac. The panel discussion highlighted the growing trend of off-market sales, particularly among celebrities and high-net-worth individuals who prefer to keep their transactions private.

    Ambuhel emphasized the importance of agent relationships in facilitating these discreet deals. "It's essential to have trust within our community," she said. "We share information, knowing it won't be shared beyond our circle."

    The panel also touched on the enduring popularity of high-rise living in global cities like Dubai and New York. Aaron Kirman presented plans for Burj Azizi, a 2,000-foot-tall tower set to become the second-tallest building in the world. The development will feature luxury residences, restaurants, clubs, movie theaters, and even a grocery store.

    Kirman noted that international buyers are increasingly seeking properties in multiple locations worldwide. "We're seeing a lot of global interest from buyers who want to own homes in cities like Dubai, London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai," he said.

    In New York City, Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group's Richard Hicks, Kane Manera, and Andrew Peerless showcased two recently completed flagship properties: One High Line in West Chelsea and Central Park Tower on Billionaires' Row. The panelists observed a growing interest from West Coast buyers looking to make New York a full-time residence.

    Nashville is also gaining traction as an attractive destination for Angelenos, thanks to its entertainment industry connections and tax-friendly environment. Kris Wylder of Corcoran Reverie presented renderings of The Residences at The Nashville Edition, which will break ground in 2025 and feature 84 residences atop a 15-story hotel.

    Other presentations included plans for the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Deer Valley in Utah and investment opportunities in Arizona's AI data center market. As the event concluded, brokers mingled over cocktails at The London Bar, discussing deals and networking with colleagues.

High-end real estate projects showcased at exclusive Upfronts event in Los Angeles.