From Malibu to Manhattan, A-list stars are known for having lavish homes. However, some celebrities are going above and beyond home purchases. They have made real estate investments their second career.
"The Revenant" Leonardo DiCaprio
A dedicated environmentalist, DiCaprio channeled his inner developer when he invested in rebuilding Greenberg, KS as a model eco-town. He is also working as executive producer of a three-season Discovery channel feature about the tornado-stricken town's rebuilding. Although not yet completed, Greenberg is expected to have city buildings that reach LEED Platinum standards, making it the first to do so in the nation, USA Today reported.
The Oscar-winner also bought Delos, a construction company dedicated to developing eco-friendly and healthy spaces.
"The Big Short" Brad Pitt
Pitt is famous for purchasing luxurious real estate all over the globe. Due to his interest in eco-friendly buildings and humanitarian causes, he founded the Make It Right Foundation in 2006. After Hurricane Katrina, the Foundation collaborated with New Orleans' professionals to build 150 sustainable homes for the typhoon victims in the Ninth Ward.
In 2009, he was given an award by the US Green Building Council. Later that year, he met with President Barack Obama to promote funding for eco housing, Tree Hugger reported.
"Tomorrowland" George Clooney
In 2005, Clooney and Pitt worked together with Rande Gerber to build the Las Vegas hotel and casino Las Ramblas. The development was funded by Clooney and designed by Pitt, but hotel construction was halted when costs ballooned. The three sold the 25-acre plot to W Hotel, Casino and Residence for $202M, but are still planning another future project together.
"Run This Town" Jay Z
Jay Z bought into Barclays Center, which he later sold for $1.5M. He also co-owns an elite sports club, the 40/40 Club that has branches in Chicago and Atlantic City. The property is expected to open locations in Singapore and Tokyo. As he himself proclaims, Jay Z is not a businessman; he is a business.
More than winning awards, these celebrities have acknowledged that most of what they have can go anytime; but not real estate investments.
