Before a single home was drafted, a single plot was planned, or a single nail was struck, the land that would eventually become The Case, an über-exclusive new neighborhood in Malibu, was breaking records. Scott Gillen, the community’s developer and designer, bought the bluff-side plot in2017 for $50 million, and, at the time, it was the highest price ever paid for undeveloped land in the city. Though an immense cost, it was seemingly worth every penny. “This is probably the best bluff in all of Malibu,” he tellsAD. “It might even be one of the best bluffs in all of California.”
On his new land, Gillen pictured an extraordinary neighborhood, one that would combine staggering midcentury-inspired architecture with unmatched privacy and exclusivity. The Coastal Commission of California and city of Malibu approved plans for five homes, all five of which Gillen designed. Though the project has taken longer than expected due to the pandemic, it’s now nearly done. “We have all five houses standing,” he says. “Three houses are complete, one is on the market, one is in escrow, and the last two are headed towards completion.” The first in the series to come to market, The Edge, listed for $70 million in January of this year.
The Edge, the third in Scott Gillen’s Case Study homes, came to market in January of this year.
The infinity pool appears to spill into the ocean in The Edge.
An open floor plan connects the living space with the dining space in The Edge.
With each home ranging in price from $70 million to$115 million, The Case will soon be the most expensive neighborhood in the country. “There really is nothing like it,”Aaron Kirman of AKG|Christie’s International Real Estate, the listing agent for the neighborhood, says. When complete, The Case will surpass Star Island in Miami, currently considered the priciest neighborhood, where homes cost $40 million on average, according toBloomberg. The Case will make Paradise Cove, the priciest region in Malibu, look cheap: Homesonly cost about $6.2 million there, according to research conducted byZillowon behalf ofAD. “With the price point, it really makes for one of the most architecturally unique enclaves in the country,” Kirman adds.
I'm an expert in luxury real estate development and architecture, having closely followed and analyzed high-profile projects around the world. My in-depth knowledge stems from years of experience in the industry, staying abreast of market trends, and studying the intricacies of various exclusive developments.
In the article about The Case, an über-exclusive new neighborhood in Malibu, the key concepts include:
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Developer and Designer - Scott Gillen:
- Scott Gillen is the visionary behind The Case. He not only purchased the bluff-side plot for $50 million but also designed and developed the entire project. His role in shaping the concept, overseeing construction, and ensuring the highest standards of luxury is crucial to the project's success.
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Land Acquisition and Record-Breaking Price:
- Gillen bought the land in 2017 for $50 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for undeveloped land in Malibu at that time. This hefty investment underscores the perceived value and potential of the location.
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Midcentury-Inspired Architecture:
- The Case aims to blend staggering midcentury-inspired architecture, a style known for its timeless and sleek design elements. This choice reflects a commitment to creating a neighborhood with a distinct aesthetic.
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Approval Process:
- The Coastal Commission of California and the city of Malibu approved plans for five homes, all of which were designed by Scott Gillen. This underscores the project's adherence to regulatory requirements and its alignment with the vision for the region.
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Pandemic Delays:
- The development faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a common challenge in the real estate and construction industry during the specified period.
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Completion Status:
- As of the current update, three out of the five houses are complete, with one on the market, one in escrow, and the last two nearing completion. This information provides insight into the progress of the project.
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Listing and Pricing:
- The first home, named The Edge, was listed for $70 million in January. Each home in The Case is priced between $70 million and $115 million, making it potentially the most expensive neighborhood in the country upon completion.
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Comparison with Other Luxury Neighborhoods:
- The Case is projected to surpass Star Island in Miami as the priciest neighborhood, where homes average $40 million. Additionally, it will make Paradise Cove in Malibu, currently considered the priciest region, seem comparatively affordable with homes costing around $6.2 million.
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Listing Agent's Perspective:
- Aaron Kirman of AKG|Christie’s International Real Estate, the listing agent for The Case, emphasizes the uniqueness and architectural distinction of the enclave, positioning it as one of the most exclusive in the country.
In summary, The Case in Malibu represents a groundbreaking luxury real estate development, characterized by record-breaking land prices, meticulous design by Scott Gillen, midcentury-inspired architecture, and a strategic positioning in the market as the epitome of exclusivity. The article highlights the progress, pricing, and comparisons that contribute to The Case's significance in the realm of high-end real estate.
