In an off-market deal, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has sold his long-held apartment inside New York City’s renowned Plaza Hotel for $22.5 million.
This transaction follows Kraft’s recent acquisition of a new Manhattan residence close by at 220 Central Park South, located on Billionaires’ Row.
Records indicate that Kraft originally purchased the Plaza apartment for $14.74 million in 2007 during the hotel’s conversion into condominiums, according to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported Kraft’s sale.
Details regarding the Plaza unit are scarce as it was not publicly listed for sale. Situated at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, the French Renaissance-inspired property has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.
Notable figures such as fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger and London developer Christian Candy have been among the buyers of Plaza condominiums in the past.
While Kraft could not be reached for immediate comment, the identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.
Kraft’s sentimental attachment to the Plaza is documented in journalist Julie Satow’s 2019-published book, “The Plaza: The Secret Life of America’s Most Famous Hotel.”
According to the book, Kraft reminisced about touring the building during its construction phase and expressed a “nostalgic connection” to the hotel. Satow also revealed Kraft’s unique method of choosing his apartment, drawing inspiration from the jersey numbers of his Patriots players.
Despite the Plaza’s storied past, its allure has somewhat diminished in recent years with the rise of newer, taller buildings in the vicinity of Central Park South.
Notably, Kraft’s recent real estate endeavors include the purchase of two units at 220 Central Park South for a combined $34 million.
Designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, this contemporary building has attracted prominent buyers such as entertainer Sting, and hedge funders Ken Griffin and Dan Och.
Kraft’s diverse portfolio of luxury residences includes a penthouse in Palm Beach, Florida, acquired for $23.75 million in December 2022 — and a property on Meadow Lane in the Hamptons, purchased for $43 million in 2021. Additionally, records indicate he owns a home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
Having acquired the Patriots in 1994, Kraft’s wealth stems from his role as chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group, a privately held conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, real estate and sports assets.
Kraft’s presence in the media was recently highlighted in Netflix’s “The Roast of Tom Brady,” in which he was depicted taking a shot with former Patriots coach Bill Belichick.
