Bilgili's Greenwich Reaches the World Finals
Developed by the Bilgili Group and designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, The Greenwich has reached the finals of the SBID International Design Awards, one of the world's most prestigious awards in architectural design.
The Turkish real estate giant's most internationally talked-about projects are in the United States. Miami has become the center of this movement, while New York hosts the group's prestigious projects. The Bilgili Group's Greenwich is the most popular project of the recent period. With its 88 floors and 278-meter height, Greenwich is one of New York's — and the USA's — tallest buildings. It is among the 10 tallest structures in New York and ranks second in floor count, behind only the 102-story Empire State Building. Excluding business centers, it holds the title of the tallest residential skyscraper. Covering 42,921 square meters, the tower features dining areas, entertainment spaces, fitness facilities, a pool and spa on its top three floors. Including 272 luxury residences ranging from studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, the project — with interiors designed by London-based March & White Design — was conceived with minimal column design and full-height glass façades to maximize views of the Hudson River, New York Harbor and the city skyline. Its architect, the world-renowned Uruguayan Rafael Viñoly — designer of masterpieces such as the Brooklyn Children's Museum, the Tokyo International Forum, the Kimmel Center and the Cleveland Museum of Art — passed away in 2023, but his awards and works continue to place him among the world's best.
The biggest award in global architecture
Greenwich, one of Viñoly's most important late works, is now in the finals of an award that will keep his name alive. As New York's most stylish residential project, Greenwich has reached the finals of the SBID International Design Awards, one of the world's most prestigious awards in architectural design. In this program, hundreds of exceptional projects from 85 countries entered the spotlight; Greenwich, part of Bilgili Holding's portfolio, became one of 5 finalists in the SBID International Design Awards — Society of British & International Interior Design category.
Major financing received in May
An important step was taken regarding the project's financing in recent months. As we reported in May, Bilgili Holding — owned by Serdar Bilgili, the entrepreneur behind Greenwich — secured a $350 million refinancing loan for the project from Starwood Property Trust. Starwood Property Trust, an affiliate of US investor Barry Sternlicht's global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group (worth $4.4 billion), provided significant funding to the project developed by Bilgili, Fortress Investment Group and Bizzi & Partners.
Working alongside the Bizzi family
Former Beşiktaş executive Serdar Bilgili partnered with Bizzi & Partners — already prominent in the US — in 2023. The two partners have begun working together on several projects in both the US and Europe. Bilgili and Bizzi plan to partner on all future projects, including the 5th Avenue office property they are developing in Miami Beach. They are also looking for further opportunities in office properties they hope to redevelop in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. With projects already in the Italian cities of Tuscany, Bordighera and Milan, the Bilgili–Bizzi partnership also aims to invest in hotel developments across Europe.
Creating original projects
Bilgili Holding, which is also developing distinctive luxury residential projects in Türkiye, brings hotel-grade service together with residential living at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Istanbul in Nişantaşı. At Akaretler Sıraevler, it blends 19th-century architecture with today's multi-functional living spaces to merge history with modernity. BodrumBodrum, located in Yalıkavak's Tilkicik Cove, stands out as one of Bodrum's most distinguished projects thanks to its design and proximity to the coastal lifestyle.
