Mohamed Hadid, father of models Gigi and Bella and who himself appears on the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" TV show, has been criminally charged for allegedly failing to get construction permits for his 30,000-square-foot Bel Air mansion.
Neighbors complained about the size of the structure; they fear it will topple from its hillside perch.
Hadid has submitted new plans to allow for permits to finish the house, but neighbors want it torn down. According to the Los Angeles Times, they are “arguing that if it is allowed to remain it will send a troubling message to wealthy developers willing to break the rules.”
Hadid is known for pushing the boundaries of acceptable development. His massive Palazzo di Amore estate in Beverly Hills, for example, featured a 15,000-square-foot entertainment complex, including a ballroom with a revolving dance floor. The property listed for $195 million.
As housing prices soar and developers seek to construct larger and larger properties on smaller and smaller lots, community acrimony is sure to spike. Indeed, “no mini-mansions” signs are prevalent throughout L.A.-area neighborhoods.
Realtor magazine reports the median size of a new home increased from 1,938 square feet in 1990 to 2,300 square feet in 2016, but lot sizes during this same period decreased from 8,250 square feet to 6,970 square feet. It notes, “the trend hasn't been consistent: Between 2006 and 2011, home buyers were showing demand for larger homes and larger lots. As home prices dropped during the housing crisis, greater affordability gave buyers opportunities to seek larger outdoor spaces. Today's pullback in lot sizes come as builders look to cut costs.”
Cutting costs comes with consequences, as Hadid has become aware: He pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charges Tuesday—likely not the spotlight the celebrity developer was looking for.
And as for the fate of the unfinished Bel Air mansion nicknamed the ‘Starship Enterprise?” The city is looking to finance a bond so they can demolish it if Hadid cannot or will not finish the building legally.
