Inside Al Capone’s $10.75 Million Florida Home

1. Restoring the grand pad

(Image/ Source: elledecor.com)Al Capone, one of the world’s most notorious gangsters, bought himself a stunning Palm Island mansion in Miami Beach, Florida. After it was carefully restored to its former glory, the mansion went back on the market in 2018 and was purchased by developers who wanted to demolish it and put a new mansion in its place.

2. The whole residence was nearly DEMOLISHED

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While developer Todd Michael Glaser and his business partner Nelson Gonzalez bought the roughly 7,500-square-foot Palm Island residence to knock the whole thing down, this news was NOT going down well with locals. There was a huge outcry about the proposed demolition, and a petition was made to save the building.

3. And there was some application drama...

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Built in 1922, the colonial-style home features 100 feet of waterfront on Biscayne Bay. But locals were more concerned about the history of the house than anything else. The organisers of the petition said: “Miami Beach risks losing an important part of not just our local history, but of U.S. history if this demolition is allowed to proceed. After the petition gained over 25,000 signatures, the demolition application was withdrawn.

4. A VERY good bargain

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Al Capone originally purchased the mansion for just $40,000, two years after the Great Miami Hurricane of 1926.  He then poured $200,000- over $3 million by today’s standards- to install a gatehouse, a huge seven-foot-high wall, searchlights, cabana and coral rock grotto. Oh, and an enormous pool.

5. A secret hideaway

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His house served as the perfect hideaway for any gangster. During the early development of Miami Beach, developers dredged the bay to create man-made residential islands. With only one gated entry and exit to each island and heavy police security, these luxurious homes were considered to be very secure indeed.

6. Some super chic features...

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Unsurprisingly, this house has a LOT of features. The main villa has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. Out back by the 30-foot by 60-foot pool, the two-story cabana has an impressive terrace facing the bay and a half-bath on the first level, with one bedroom and a full bedroom on the second. Each of the rooms is kitted out in stunning white interiors.

7. And a discreet gatehouse away from the main house

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But that isn’t all. The notorious gangster also decided to build a discreet gatehouse away from the main villa, which has also been converted into a two-bedroom, one-bath guesthouse. This house was fairly modest compared to the rest of the mansion, but it became a handy retreat if he needed some peace and quiet.

8. All with an Art Deco twist

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The restoration of the mansion was focused on preserving the original 1920s structures, while updating the amenities and design of the 30,000-square-foot estate. In the main villa, original features include a stunning black-and-gold Art Deco powder room, 1920s ceiling lights, and a fireplace in the living room.

9. Extravagent updates aplenty

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While these structures and features were maintained, they were given a few modern updates to give the property an edge. The estate was kitted out in delicate French doors and windows, polished hardwood floors, and open archways. This opened up yet more space and light across the rooms of the property.

10. Potential party pad?

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It’s a huge contrast to what Todd Michael Glaser and Nelson Gonzalez had in store for the mansion. They wanted to replace Al Capone’s old home with a modern high-spec property, with all the latest gadgets. It would have had eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, a luxurious Jacuzzi, spa and sauna, and plenty of space for entertaining.

11. From drab to fab

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The restored mansion is rustic compared to the proposed property from Todd and Gonzalez. Since it was updated, the house has been on and off the market, and it still can’t seem to find a committed buyer. It was first listed for $14.9 million by Gonzalez, but the price was cut several times before the listing was removed in July 2020.

12. But will all this attract an elite buyer?

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However, developers are still confident that someone will eventually purchase the mansion. The restored property will definitely cater to an elite buyer, with Palm Island being one of the most sought-after addresses in Miami Beach. Properties here can range from a whopping $20 million to $40 million.

13. An A-list neighbourhood

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If the mansion wasn’t amazing enough, there are some extra benefits thrown in for good measure. Star Island and Hibiscus Island are close neighbours to the beautiful Palm Island, and all three islands are home to a number of high-profile celebrities. The star-studded list includes Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan, Don Johnson, Sean Combs, and Shaquille O'Neal. Not too shabby!

14. The "Scarface" legacy

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However, it seems that the history of the house (and its owner) has played a part in the lack of buyers. Al Capone was an American gangster who was dubbed the original 'Scarface'. He worked his way through the ranks during the Prohibition era, and became the co-founder and boss of the notorious Chicago Outfit.

15. The vicious Saint Valentine's Day Massacre

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While some viewed Al Capone as a 'modern-day Robin Hood', this image quickly fell apart. The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, in which seven gang rivals were murdered in broad daylight, damaged the public image of the Chicago Outfit and Capone, leading influential citizens to demand government action and newspapers.

16. Reputation of the "death home"

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After this, Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion and spent eight years in prison. After he got out, he decided to return to his beloved Palm Island home in 1939. He lived at the mansion until his death from cardiac arrest in 1947. This had led to some newspapers and magazines calling the property “Al Capone’s death home”.

17. So will it eventually be torn down?

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But despite facing multiple setbacks, Glaser would ideally still like to tear the property down and start afresh. The house is currently placed on the agenda for possible historic designation by the city of Miami Beach, Florida, but Glaser said that is not going to stop the new owner's plans for the stunning mansion.

18. The "piece of crap" mansion

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Glaser has been pretty blunt about his views on the property. He told the Miami Herald that the home, which is about three feet below sea level, has flood damage and standing water underneath it. “The house is a piece of crap,” Glaser said. “It’s a disgrace to Miami Beach.” He still seemed to want it pretty badly though…

19. Epstein's Palm Beach home

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It seems that Glaser is very big on demolishing properties and building them anew. Apparently he did the same for Jeffrey Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion last year, which was worth an eye-watering $18.5 million. The house was fairly similar to Al Capone’s, as both estates were set on prime waterfront lots.

20. The bizarre Al Capone auction

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The stunning Miami Beach house isn’t the only one of Capone’s possessions changing hands. In California last year, his three granddaughters held an auction to sell some of his personal items, including diamond-encrusted jewellery with his initials, some family photographs, and even his favourite handgun…

21. An extra £3 million dollars

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Diane Capone and her two surviving sisters sold over 174 items at the October 8th

auction, titled “A Century of Notoriety: The Estate of Al Capone,” hosted by Witherell’s Auction House in Sacramento. The auction raised over $3 million in total. The gun alone managed to sell at $1 million, which was a Colt.45 pistol.

22. Boat worker's dream!

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While Al Capone’s empire is slowly being sold off, there are plenty that still want to preserve the mansion and prevent it from the same fate as Epstein’s house. The property is labelled as a “historic landmark”- and the locals can’t get enough of it. Tour boat worker Mr. Ciraldo said often shouts to passengers, “This was the home of Al Capone!”. So it seems it’s good for business!

23. Tough talk from Glaser

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Glaser said a few people have reached out to plead for him not to tear down the mansion in the future. One person even asked if they could keep the “93” sign on the front gate, but Glaser wasn’t having any of it. “It’s crazy the exposure that this house is getting because of who owned it. It’s embarrassing.” Ouch…

24. A RAGING debate with the Preservation Board

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The Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board has continued to hold meetings to discuss the fate of the mansion. And Mr Ciraldo is standing firm with locals, who claim the house is a part of the “DNA of our city”. He said: “I think it’s pretty clear that Al Capone had an impact that is still felt to this day. The public will have a chance to comment what they feel.”

25. Crimes, lies and alibis

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Al Capone was just 29 when he purchased the property. It served as his refuge from other gangsters, as well as an escape from the bitter Chicago winters. The house was also a perfect alibi for Capone- if he was accused of carrying out crimes, he could say he was 1,300 miles away, throwing a party at his mansion in Florida.

26. Unworthy of remembrance?

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But Glaser doesn’t care about the history of the house or its famous occupant. The developer has claimed that he’s received “a tremendous amount of support” from people who agree that the house should be torn down because Capone does not deserve remembrance, and told the press all about it.

27. The house lures in "unwanted sightseers"

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He’s said that he’s sent 265 letters to all residents on Palm Island and nearby Hibiscus Island, asking whether they support the demolition of the property. And Glaser has claimed he’s heard from some that the house lured unwanted sightseers. “They say, ‘We bought on this gated island, and we don’t want to have this traffic.”

28. $8 million dollar house flip

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But Glaser wouldn’t have been interested in the property at all if it weren’t for MB America. They shelled out $8 million to buy the mansion in 2014, which had fallen into disrepair. After 10 painstaking days of pumping water out from around the supporting pylons, the firm’s team began to fix up the buildings and rooms, and to protect the historic property, did most of the restoration work by hand.

29. Some serious glitz and glamour

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After this, it was available to hire for photoshoots and music videos, and a few tourists managed to make it in too! MB America even added a few secret glitzy touches to enhance the shoots that took place on the estate, including a pond with a lighthouse, bridge and small cave made of red coral. Impressive stuff.

30. The fight for the house continues...

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So what will become of the notorious Al Capone mansion in the future? If it’s got anything to do with Glaser, it’s not going to last long before it gets demolished. But locals are hopeful that it will continue to serve as a historical sight for years to come, and they’re prepared to fight for it. Watch this space…

31. Capone Bought The Home After The Great Miami Hurricane

Image Source / Elite AgentThe mansion, which was located in an ideal spot for the gangster, was bought two years after the Great Miami Hurricane that happened in 1926. The hurricane wiped out much of the city, but the mansion remained for Capone's sale price of $40,000.

32. A Peak Inside One Of The Bathrooms Decorated Black

Image Source / Elite AgentWith a lot of the refurbishment you can see bright white open rooms and white tiled bathrooms, but this one reveals a black porcelain sink, black tiling, gold taps and gold tiling - a colour scheme which could appeal to luxury and wealth.

33. Capone Had A Seven-Foot-High Wall Encasing The Mansion

Image Source / Elite AgentLooking at beautiful and relaxing rooms like this, you wouldn't think it's the same place with such severe security requirements. Alongside the seven foot wall, Capone installed a gatehouse and searchlights to add to the security features of his home.

34. The Developer Of This Mansion Also Took On Jeffrey Epstein's Former Home

Image Source / Elite AgentThe South Florida developer, Todd Michael Glaser, purchased (and then demolished) Jeffrey Epstein's mansion located at Palm Beach. He then took on this property, similar in its waterfront location in a prime spot.

35. The Mansion's Island Is A Popular Spot For Celebrity Homes

Image Source / Elite AgentBeing one of Florida's most in-demand neighborhoods, Palm Island along with Hibiscus Island and Star Island - the neighboring islands - are accessed by MacArthur Causeway. It moves from Brickell Avenue to South Miami Beach. Gloria Estefan and Jennifer Lopez are among the celebs making these islands their home.

36. A Rear View Of The Mansion

Image Source / The New York TimesAlthough the mansion boasts a waterfront view, the rear of the mansion is quite private, relaxing and tucked away. The grass and the trees give it a more relaxed garden vibe compared to a waterfront beach, tropical retreat. It seems the mansion has the best of both!

37. An Attractive Decking Walkway

Image Source / CL TampaNot to spoil the grass (or to avoid getting grass on your expensive shoes) the mansion includes a light grey-coloured decking walkway leading up to the door of the house and traversing around the side, and is overlooked by trees.

38. Interesting Greenery

Image Source / CL TampaThe mansion's renovation is no stranger to a house plant or two. The house has mainly been decorated in fresh white walls and light-coloured wooden flooring, but rooms have been kitted out with attractive accessories, table ornaments and plants.

39. The White Theme Continues

Image Source / CL TampaNo doubt popular in Miami homes is the fresh white minimalistic look. Whether Capone would have liked that is unclear, but it certainly attracts the new buyer. Fresh white furniture, white patio doors and even a white table. Wouldn't want to spill red wine on that, though.

40. A Lot Of The Rooms Are Decorated In A Similar Fashion

Image Source / CL TampaWhich is obviously perfect if you want minimalistic cohesion throughout your entire mansion. Most of the rooms boast clean white fabrics with a mid-coloured brown wooden floor. This room has a little more with a patterned fabric on the stools seen under the table, otherwise it's like many of the other fashionable rooms.

41. And The Kitchen Cabinets Are White, Too

Image Source / CL TampaWho'd have guessed it? Usually you use white and light colours to make rooms seem bigger to the prospective buyer, but when you're trying to sell a mansion, you probably don't need to worry about rooms looking so big. Either way, this kitchen is friendly and inviting.

42. No Home Is Complete Without A Dining Table

Image Source / CL TampaIn, you guessed it... white! Every mansion needs a great place to sit and host extravagant dinner parties, and Capone's old home is no different. Here you can also see the great view from the windows you'd be able to enjoy eating your meals.

43. Brown Leather Furniture To Complement Some Of The Rooms

Image Source / CL TampaBut it's not all white - some of the rooms have been given a darker undertone with stylish chocolate brown leather furniture, a brown flatweave rug and brown accents. Another room to relax in, complete with another ceiling fan that's of course an essential for a Miami mansion in the heat.

44. Plenty Of Guest Bedrooms

Image Source / CL TampaThough you can't imagine any associate of Capone's enjoying a fluffy pillow or two, can you? The mansion boasts plenty of bedrooms, this one seen with a darker brown wood on the floor but still in keeping with the ocean-inspired blue and white themes seen throughout the mansion.

45. Twin Rooms Are Of Course An Option, Too

Image Source / CL TampaWhen you're showing off a newly refurbished mansion, you want to make sure you have choices-a-plenty for guests - which includes twin bed rooms as well as double guest rooms. This one's accented with a soft blue footstool alongside the white (the decorator really likes blue and white, don't they?).

46. A Simple And Stylish Bathroom

Image Source / CL TampaWhat could be said to be a simple bathroom by mansion standards is actually still a whole lot bigger than most bathrooms in our everyday homes! That shower alone is huge, not to mention the long counter and lots of space for toiletries!

47. Other Bathrooms Feature Smaller Facilities (But Still Huge!)

Image Source / CL TampaNot all the showers in every bathroom are quite as big, but even this bathroom is huge in size. Complete with all features you could want, include a refreshing bidet (well, you'd expect nothing less from a mansion, right?).

48. A Relaxing Study

Image Source / CL TampaNot all the refurbishments of Capone's mansion have been ultra modern - here you can see panelled walls (even if they are still in white) which gives a more traditional feel to this particular room, topped off by blue chairs, white tables and grey soft furnishings.

49. The Bathrooms Have Been Updated With Bright White Finishes

Image Source / CL TampaYou can't really go wrong with a white bathroom update, as it's always a room that's going to look great and practical in white. This huge bathroom (one of many) reveals yet another walk in shower, this time with silver tapes, as well as another bidet (I'd be disappointed if all the bathrooms didn't have one, to be honest!).

50. But Still The Same View Al Capone Would've Enjoyed

Image Source / CL TampaYou can make many changes to Al Capone's former mansion so that it's unrecognisable, but you won't be able to change that amazing view in Miami Beach - the same Capone would have seen standing outside his home as the new buyer will see standing outside theirs.