In a bold move that mirrors a New York City fairytale, Alfonso Cobo, a tech entrepreneur with a keen eye for design, took a leap of faith by purchasing a dated Tribeca loft. His goal? To transform it into a modern bachelor pad. This isn’t just a story about real estate flipping; it’s about creativity meeting ambition in one of Manhattan’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
Alfonso Cobo, originally from Spain’s Canary Islands, wasn’t new to the bustling neighborhoods of New York City. Having rotated between locales from Brooklyn to Manhattan, he settled on Tribeca for his latest venture. In 2022, Cobo came across a three-bedroom apartment in The Fairchild, a vintage warehouse from the 1880s. Despite its uninspired aesthetic of stark whites and dark floors, Cobo envisioned something entirely new for the space.
Cobo, who once sold a social media app for a hefty sum, saw the potential in what many would overlook. With his background in architecture driving him, he poured his resources into gutting the apartment, even paying 8% over the asking price to secure his canvas. Working alongside British designer Helena Clunies Ross, he channeled $1 million into a renovation brimming with daring design choices.
The renovation was nothing short of extraordinary. Nearly 80% of the apartment’s interiors became bespoke creations, from the uniquely crafted sofas to the sprawling curved windows. A standout feature was a kitchen island in a deep gray hue, a result of weeks of deliberation. Each design choice was a nod to Cobo’s Mediterranean roots, imbued with textures and layers that countered the minimalist “sad beige” stereotype attached to his generation.
In a striking move, Cobo reimagined the apartment’s layout by ditching two bedrooms. As a young, single entrepreneur, he preferred a space tailored to his lifestyle over traditional functionality. His home evolved into a personal oasis amidst the city’s chaos where he could entertain, unwind, and work.
Completing the home’s transformation was a magnificent 16-foot olive tree. Bringing this tree into the loft was no small feat, requiring street closures and cranes. But once in place, it added a vital natural element to the high design space, melding urban chic with earthy grace.
The result of these efforts didn’t just serve personal satisfaction. Recently, Cobo sold the apartment for a jaw-dropping $6.9 million, marking one of the priciest one-bedroom sales in Manhattan this year. The deal, facilitated by Jessica Markowski of Serhant, took three months and matched Cobo with a buyer who shared his aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle preferences.
Cobo’s move wasn’t just about profit. Now focused on a bi-coastal lifestyle and globe-spanning renovations, Cobo is channeling his passion into new projects through his real estate firm, Olivar. With ventures underway in Bali, the US, and Spain, he’s poised to continue redefining spaces with his signature blend of high design and personal touch.
Alfonso Cobo’s journey from loft explorer to real estate innovator in Tribeca exemplifies the transformative power of vision and design. As he expands his horizons, his story is a testament to understanding one’s style and making bold moves, turning ordinary spaces into personal masterpieces.
Source: Yahoo
