Sam Zell’s Chicago residence reflects his extravagant taste combined with his affinity for art and architecture. He and his wife, Helen Zell, known as art collectors and philanthropists, resided in a lavish penthouse in Chicago. The penthouse showcases an elegant, art-filled interior that complements the couple’s deep passion for art collection. Zell has maintained an office in an iconic Art Deco building in downtown Chicago since 1982, where the interiors opened out onto an outdoor terrace and garden overlooking the Chicago River, highlighting his blend of luxury and functionality in his spaces. The Art Deco office is part of the former Chicago Daily News Building, known for its historic architectural significance and Zell’s commitment to preserving its artistic elements.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Zell |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 1941 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Date of Death | May 18, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 81 years |
| Nationality | American (of Polish immigrant descent) |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts/Science, University of Michigan; Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Michigan |
| Occupation | Real estate entrepreneur and investor |
| Net Worth (2023) | Approximately $5.2 billion |
| Marital Status | Married three times |
| Children | 3 |
| Known Residences | Owned homes in Chicago, Sun Valley (Idaho), Malibu (California) (no longer living) |
| Current Residence | Deceased; last known residences were in Chicago, Sun Valley, and Malibu |
| Career Highlights | Founder of Equity Group Investments; pioneer in real estate investment trusts; significant real estate deals including sale of EQ Office to Blackstone for $39 billion |
In addition to the penthouse, Zell owned multiple luxury homes, including a notable 12,000-square-foot Malibu home designed by famed architect John Lautner, underscoring his preference for architecturally significant and lavish residences. His Chicago properties and office spaces mirrored his status as a billionaire with a taste for both modern design and historic preservation.
Who is Sam Zell?
Sam Zell was a renowned American billionaire businessman and philanthropist primarily known for his significant impact in real estate investment. His company, Equity Group Investments, was founded in 1968 and he was the founder and chairman. Zell is recognized as a pioneering figure in the creation of the modern real estate investment trust (REIT) industry, having founded several large REITs, including Equity Residential, Equity LifeStyle Properties, and Equity Commonwealth. He was known for his expertise in turning around troubled companies and assets, earning nicknames such as “the grave dancer” due to his skill in reviving distressed properties. Zell’s ventures extended beyond real estate into logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, and media. He was also a notable philanthropist, supporting entrepreneurial education through various programs and foundations.
Born in Chicago in 1941 to Polish immigrant parents, Zell began his first business while at the University of Michigan, managing apartment buildings. Over his career spanning more than 60 years, he built a multibillion-dollar fortune and was considered one of the greatest living business minds until he died in 2023 at the age of 81.
One of the largest leveraged buyouts of its time was Zell’s sale of Equity Office Properties Trust for $39 billion in 2007. He also acquired Tribune Media in a deal that later led to the company’s bankruptcy, which somewhat tarnished his reputation. Nevertheless, his legacy in real estate and entrepreneurial education remains influential.
Where Does Sam Zell Currently Live?
Sam Zell passed away on 18 May 2023, at his home in Chicago. Therefore, his last known residence was in Chicago, Illinois. When he died, he was 81 years old. There is no current residence information since he is deceased.
This information confirms that Sam Zell lived in Chicago at the end of his life.
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Sam Zell’s Chicago House Interior and Exterior
Sam Zell’s Chicago house is also his office, located in an Art Deco office building known as the former Chicago Daily News Building (Two North Riverside Plaza) at 2 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago’s Loop. This building, completed in 1929, features iconic Art Deco architecture with elaborate limestone detailing and a historic riverfront plaza. The building was owned by Sam Zell for about 50 years until he died in 2023, and his office space extended to an outdoor terrace and garden overlooking the Chicago River.
Regarding the interior, Sam Zell’s office was described as plush, situated within the Art Deco building he had occupied since 1982. The outdoor terrace and garden he built overlooking the river were notable exterior elements of his property. His office and the building feature historic detailing, including an Art Deco lobby, and the building itself is recognized for its architectural significance and design.
To summarize:
- This landmark Art Deco skyscraper features sculpted limestone, a large riverfront plaza, and an outdoor terrace and garden with views of the Chicago River, all built by Zell.
- Interior: Zell maintained a plush office space within the historic Art Deco building, featuring a notable lobby. Despite being removed from the building’s concourse, the mural was preserved elsewhere.
This building functioned as both his office headquarters and his prominent Chicago property rather than a traditional private residence. This detail is key when considering “house” as his central Chicago living or working place.
Sam Zell’s Chicago House History Address and Wroth
Sam Zell was a Chicago billionaire real estate investor known for owning multiple properties in Chicago. One notable Chicago property linked to him was the Cobbler Square Lofts apartment complex, located at 1350 N. Wells St. in Old Town, Chicago. This property was converted from a Dr. In the 1980s, Scholl’s shoe factory was converted into apartments. Zell or his related entities owned this property for decades until it was put up for sale about a year after his death. The property comprises 292 units with retail space and parking, and it had a refinancing loan of $51 million listed under Zell’s office address at 2 N. Riverside Plaza in Chicago as of 2019.
Sam Zell had homes in various locations, including Chicago itself, as well as Sun Valley, Idaho, and Malibu, California. As of 2025, he is estimated to have a net worth of at least $1.3 billion. He was known for building a multibillion-dollar fortune primarily through real estate investments and pioneering real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Summary:
- Chicago house/property: Cobbler Square Lofts, 1350 N. Wells St, Old Town Chicago (converted from a factory in the 1980s; owned for decades by a Zell entity)
- Other residences included Chicago homes, Sun Valley (Idaho), Malibu (California)
- Estimated net worth (2025): approx. $1.3 billion
This summarizes Sam Zell’s Chicago property history, including known addresses associated with his ownership, and his net worth as it relates to real estate.
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