Mar-a-Lago resort which spans over 20 acres in Palm Beach, Florida, this 62,000-square-foot mansion is certainly one to catch people’s attention with not just its sprawling mansion but also due to the historical significance it holds. The name can be translated from Spanish to English as “Sea-to-Lake”, thus describing its expanse from the Atlantic Ocean to Lake Worth. Let’s discuss Who Owns Mar-a-Lago? The 45th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump purchased Mar-a-Lago in 1985. It was acquired by Trump from the post foundation at around $10 million. Due to extensive renovations from Trump’s presidency, the estate is estimated to be valued at around $160 million as of 2018. He spent most of his time during his presidency in Mar-a-Lago and is expected to do so post-presidency.
How did he come to own the estate?
A cereal company heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post fearing the demolition of her much-invested estate willed the property which had been declared a National Historic Landmark to the United States government. She wanted the estate to be used as a seasonal retreat for the sitting president. After she passed away in 1973, the property was handed to the government but to what would have been her dismay it was returned to her family foundation (The Post foundation) citing high maintenance costs ($1 million per annum) and difficulties in securing the area for the president made it a nightmare for any plausible arrangements. In 1981, Mar-a-Lago was returned to the Post Foundation.
Donald Trump after multiple failed attempts to acquire the estate had a stroke of luck and was able to buy it for close to $10 million. It was sold at a loss, the property had depreciated a ton in market value due to a litany of factors one of which was trump threatening to block the entire ocean view of the property after he bought the land between Mar-a-Lago and the ocean from Jack C. Massey who the former owner of KFC for a whopping $2 million.
The property was used as a private residence for 8 years after which he decided to turn it into a private club resort. The estate still maintains private closed-off quarters for the family. Massive improvements were made for his liking, a 20,000 sq ft ballroom was added with gold embellishment worth $7 million. He spent $ 100,000 on gold-plated sinks. The club was also given five tennis courts and a waterfront which added to its list of luxury.
More About the Estate and Its Significance
The 128 room mansion has 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms. Its gargantuan halls are adorned with antique decors and its library holds rare first editions. The estate was built from 1923 to 1927. It took 600 workers and 300 artisans to turn Marjorie Post’s vision into a reality. The project went over budget and cost more than eight times the estimated value. It came to around $7 million which is around $104 million in today’s money. Marjorie Post worked with Marion Sims Wyeth to design the masterpiece and hired Joseph Urban to create the interior and exterior decorations. Urban’s work ranges from Egyptian palaces to Broadway sets. He also designed the Palm Beach Bath and Tennis Club. Highly skilled workers were roped in for the job.
Some of the special features of the luxurious mansion are:
- Spectacularly lavish living rooms.
- The statement ceiling of the mansion that resembles ‘Thousand Wing Ceiling’ in Venice.
- The Gold leaf adornments that are everywhere
- Italian Renaissance table, silk tapestries from a Venetian palazzo, 17th-century Spanish rug.
- English Georgian style Library with its hallmark wall panels that are crafted from antique British oak
Now the estate is a mix of various eras in terms of its design. Although now we’ve come to appreciate this form of architecture back in the ’20s, it was viewed as a “gaudy monstrosity”. The Palm Beach residents too regarded it as an eyesore. In 1980 it was declared a National Historic Landmark and was also ranked 5th on the list of Florida Architecture 100 years which is from the Florida chapter of the American Institute of architects book.
Due to its originally intended purpose to host sitting presidents for a seasonal retreat, it was also known as the Winter White House. This came more into light after Donald Trump spent most of his days at the Mar-a-Lago during his presidency. He now also spends most of his time there, although there were several complaints about him breaking the norms of the club.
Mar-a-Lago During the Trump Presidency
Despite the clear rules to abandon personal businesses while in office for incumbent presidents to avoid conflict of interest. Trump seems to have taken the other direction with his businesses growing multiple folds due to his presidency. It is pretty much apparent from the numbers. The club’s revenue rose by 25% in 2016 and the trend kept up till 2019. The Trump organization allegedly doubled its fees from $100,000 to $200,000 soon after getting elected. Even its worth is reported to have increased around $10 million. Foreign dignitaries were hosted in Mar-a-Lago from President XI Jinping to Bolsanaro.
- Feb 2017 – Trump and Melania hosted Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe and his wife. This was the first time a world leader was entertained at the Mar-a-Lago.
- April 2017 – President Xi Jinping was hosted by President Trump.
- March 2020 – President Trump hosted Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro to discuss efforts to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
This was another huge revenue boost for Mar-a-Lago. Trump reportedly also charges his own secret service agents several hundred dollars per night for staying at Mar-a-Lago to protect him. Renovations amounting to about $1 million were done at Mar-a-Lago using taxpayers money.
Controversies
Just like all his ventures, Trump faced multiple controversies involving this estate as well. He is never short of controversies.
Legal Issues Faced:
- Hoisting Huge flag – Trump defied zoning laws by raising a 20-by-30 foot United States flag on an 80-foot long flagpole in 2006, this led to him being charged with fines which then led him to file lawsuits against the town council. The case was closed as they negotiated to agree on certain terms.
- Claims of Discrimination – A lawsuit was also filed against the town for alleged discrimination against Mar-a-Lago for allowing black and Jew members in 1997.
- Flight Rules – Palm Beach County was also sued for aircraft flights above Mar-a-Lago going to and from Palm Beach International Airport.
- Private Residence – In 2019 Donald Trump and Melania Trump took up residence in Mar-a-Lago which is against the club rules which states that no member is allowed to stay there for more than 3 non-consecutive weeks per year.
- Hurricane Insurance – Trump claimed hurricane insurance worth $17 million but reports from employees suggest that there were no severe damages which would amount to millions of dollars.
What’s the Mar-a-Lago club like?
The club was opened in 1994. The main business that runs the estate of Mar-a-Lago is the Mar-a-Lago club. It operates as a resort or hotel for members, renting out venues for private parties and events is another branch of the business. The club hosted many concerts, beauty pageant competitions, and other events such as the International Red cross ball which supports the mission of the Red cross. Membership for the club includes a $200,000 initiation fee and annual fees of $14,000. Members who choose to stay overnight have to pay an extra $2000 per night. The club has a maximum member capacity of 500 members. This club is not another gateway for Trump’s golf club, they are different.
Some of the notable famous members of the club which were disclosed are Bill Belichick-England Patriots head coach, Avram Bay-owner of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, James Dolan-owner of New York Knicks and Rangers, James Patterson-Bestselling fiction writer, Beth Stern- actress and model, William Koch- Koch industries, Richard LeFrak-New York real estate developer.
The club has been cited for several health code violations many times. In retaliation to Trump’s offensive remarks (which are hard to keep track of ), several events were canceled from the Mar-a-Lago. After his presidency, Trump is reported to have been crashing weddings and even funeral ceremonies at the Mar-a-Lago. Trump residing here helps him reduce his tax bill significantly, it lets him write off his lifestyle choices as business expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will Trump live in Mar-a-Lago and make it his residential home post-presidency?
He currently lives there and is expected to make it his residence. - Is it a member-only resort?
Yes, it’s an exclusive socialites club. - How old is the estate?
94 years since the year of completion. - How much is it valued today?
Current estimates are not available but it was valued at around $160 million in 2018. - Where is Mar-a-Lago located in Florida?
It’s in Palm Beach Florida, exact address [1100 S Ocean Blvd, Palm Beach, FL 33480] - Did it belong to anyone else before Trump?
A lady by the name of Marjorie Merriweather Post built it in the 1920’s and owned the estate till she dies in 1973.
