M
ichael Smith, billionaire CEO of Freeport LNG, has sold four condos at 250 West Street for a total of $60 million, nearly $10 million more than he paid for them between 2015 and 2016. The properties were initially purchased by an entity tied to Smith in two separate deals.

    The penthouse unit was bought in 2015 for just under $30 million, significantly lower than its initial asking price of $42 million. It's reported that Leonardo DiCaprio had also shown interest in the property. Three additional condos on the same floor were purchased by the same entity between May and October 2016.

    The sales were made to anonymous trusts through off-market deals, with two separate entities listed as buyers. However, it's unclear whether these entities are shielding the same buyer. If so, the new owner could combine the units to create a total of approximately 12,500 square feet.

    Attorney James Wei represented the buyer for the lower-floor condos, while attorney Edan Pinkas represented the penthouse buyer. Pinkas has previously worked with high-profile clients, including Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

    Smith's company exports liquified natural gas from Texas and has made significant real estate investments in the past, including a record-breaking purchase of a Malibu mansion for $110 million in 2018.