It is that time of the year when people usually take a trip down the memory lane. Therefore, we decided to take one stroll too.
The economy strengthened and so did the real estate market. Celebrities bought, sold and renovated. Some got involved in foreclosures and lawsuits, while some got forced out of their neigborhoods. While a major controversy surrounding one of the most iconic buildings came to an end, another revolving around the declaration of building the earth's tallest structure was born.
On the whole, the year was a super eventful one. While there are a lot of stories that qualified for the list, we chose out some of the most important ones for our readers.
Read on to find out what topped Realty Today's list of the best realty moments in 2013:
1. The Empire State Building REIT
The Empire State Building REIT tops our list of the most tantalizing story this year. After battling dissident shareholder for over a year to roll the legendary Empire State Building and a few other properties into an Initial Public Offering (IPO), the plan came through. The Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) debuted on the New York Stock Exchange Oct. 02, 2013 and ended up raising $929.5 million, pricing 71.5 million shares at $13 per unit.
2. Kate Middleton, Prince William and Prince George
This year, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and Prince William welcomed a baby boy, Prince George. The prince's birth was largely covered by media of all sectors. The couple, who used to rent an abode in Anglesey moved to their renovated home at Apartment 1 A, after giving it a $2.3 million, two-year overhaul. The apartment has a lovely nursery for the baby as well.
3. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Real Estate Fickle Flu
Apart from declaring himself the 'god of rap', welcoming baby daughter 'North West' and proposing to socialite girlfriend Kim Kardashian, Rapper Kanye West indulged in a lot of real estate with his buxom beau. Kim sold her Beverly Hills home and Kanye's bachelor pad went on and off the escrow a couple of times as well. They bought and sold properties like they changed clothes. Well, currently, they are planning on buying a secluded plot to raise little NoRi without any shutterbug and paparazzi disturbance.
4. Sky City One - The Good, the Bad, the Dilemma!
The world was amazed when plans of building Sky City One, the touted tallest building of the world was announced. Not only was the plan breath taking but the sheer time in which the builders said they would complete construction was what left people astound. Broad Group, a Chinese developer claimed that they would build the 838 meter tall tower in just 210 days using prefabricated modules. However, issues with construction permits stalled the development. Although it broke ground in July, not much has been done since. We hope the tower resumes construction soon.
5. Zaha Hadid got us 'Floored'
The year 2013 was perhaps one of the best for ace startchitect, Zaha Hadid. She not only took away hearts with her fluid designs but also ruffled some feathers in conservative countries. She won several awards making her one of the top architects of the generation. We tip our hats to the outspoken, straightforward, deserving architect.
While these were some of the top five memories that made frequent headlines at Realty Today, this was just the icing. The others made up for a whole juicy cake that we plan on cutting this New Year's Eve.
Read more from Realty Today, here.
That was your real estate capsule for 2013. Check out a video below to see some of the most memorable moments of 2013 across the world:
So, here is Realty Today, signing off a great 2013 and looking forward to a tremendously happening 2014.
Happy New Year!
