T
odd Glaser, a South Florida spec developer famed for bold projects, is now planting his feet in the South Fork, bringing his renovation zeal to the affluent Hamptons. He recently paid $16.25 million for the historic 186 Main Street in Sag Harbor, a 6,500‑sq‑ft house on .59 acres of Captain’s Row. Built in 1834 by a prominent whaling family, the property—known as the Hannibal French House—has seen 19th‑century expansions and a major restoration by former New Jersey governor Charles Edison in 1948. The seven‑bedroom, four‑bath home also houses Sag Harbor’s only formal ballroom.
Glaser told The Real Deal that he loves “old stuff” and plans to preserve the house largely intact. He and his wife, interior designer Kim Aimee Glaser, left their Nantucket home two years ago and bought a $9 million waterfront house in Newport Beach last year, which he said didn’t feel like home. “My wife, this is her dream house,” he said. The listing was handled by Corcoran’s Susan Breitenbach, with representation from Bespoke Real Estate’s Cody Vichinsky.
Known for daring spec developments in Miami and Palm Beach, Glaser said in 2024 he’s pivoting toward renovations rather than new builds, a strategy he intends to apply in the Hamptons. “We’re looking for projects to renovate, not to build,” he explained. “The Hamptons market is dominated by big builders, but there’s a niche I can fill.”
The Sag Harbor purchase is modest compared to a recent Florida venture: Glaser and partners bought a waterfront home on North Bay Road for $105 million earlier this year. That property is now listed as a flip for $169 million, with Glaser considering a $300 million spec redevelopment.
