Image Credit: All images used in this article are AI-generated based on Bel-Air hillside property at 901 Strada Vecchia Road.
The ruins of Mohamed Hadid’s once-ambitious Bel-Air mansion project have hit the market again—this time through a sealed-bid auction. Once designed to be a mega-mansion perched on the hills of 901 Strada Vecchia Road, the now-demolished site presents a rare opportunity for visionary buyers and real estate developers. With a starting bid of $7.9 million, the property offers more than just land; it’s a foundation for imagination and potential in one of LA’s most exclusive zip codes.
A History of Ambition and Collapse
Mohamed Hadid, known for luxury developments and as the father of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, started building the home in 2014. Originally designed to exceed 30,000 square feet, the project quickly drew backlash. Neighbors dubbed it the “starship enterprise” and filed legal complaints, leading to building code violations, court battles, and public scrutiny.
After a lengthy legal battle, a judge ordered the demolition of the incomplete structure to prevent hillside instability. The massive property—once a symbol of excess—was stripped down to its foundation by Sahara Construction, who purchased the site for $5 million in 2021. Their work has rendered it safe and flat, suitable now for a new 15,000-square-foot estate.
A Clean Slate in Prime Bel-Air
Image Credit: All images used in this article are AI-generated based on Bel-Air hillside property at 901 Strada Vecchia Road.
The site is now up for auction with no reserve price, giving investors and dreamers an opening to claim a piece of high-profile land in Bel-Air. The sealed-bid auction, managed by Compass’s Tracy Tutor and Premiere Estates’ Todd Wohl, runs until July 16. The property, now a series of concrete slabs bordered by retaining walls, offers both structural security and creative freedom.
The Auction Opportunity at 901 Strada Vecchia
The location is unbeatable—tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac where privacy reigns supreme, and neighboring homes boast private tennis courts and expansive views. With legal hurdles cleared, the site now qualifies for construction without the constraints of Hadid’s past mistakes. A new owner can start fresh—on stable ground, literally and legally.
Financial Stakes and Legal Aftermath
Sahara Construction undertook a massive demolition process to meet court requirements, incurring substantial debt in the process. The firm borrowed $8 million from Northern Bank & Trust Company but is now facing a default notice, with $9.4 million in delinquent payments. Despite financial pressure, the property is not a foreclosure. According to auctioneer Todd Wohl, Sahara volunteered for the sale to recoup costs.
This financial backdrop adds urgency to the auction and further highlights the high-risk, high-reward nature of luxury development in Bel-Air. Legal clarity and engineering reports now assure potential buyers that the site can support new construction safely—even in the face of major seismic events.
Bel-Air’s most notorious failed mansion has evolved from scandal to opportunity. The cleaned-up site at 901 Strada Vecchia Road represents a new chapter—one that’s ready for a bold buyer with vision, capital, and a love for iconic locations. The auction provides a rare entry into one of LA’s most exclusive enclaves, free from the ghosts of past missteps but rich in potential.
FAQs
What is the minimum bid for the Bel-Air mansion site?
The auction begins at $7.9 million, with no reserve price, offering open competition to interested buyers.
Is the Bel-Air property safe to build now?
Yes. After court-ordered demolition and engineering evaluation, the site is considered safe for up to 15,000 sq. ft. of new construction.
