Kanye West Finds a Buyer for Demolished Apartment In Alex Vervoordt-Designed Building

Architectural Digest
by Katie Schultz
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Kanye West has sold a gutted apartment designed by renowned architect Alex Vervoordt in Belgium's Kanaal complex. Originally purchased in 2021 for an undisclosed sum, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit spanning 2,260 square feet was listed at $825,100. The sale highlights West’s pattern of acquiring and renovating high-design properties, often stripping them down to their core elements. This latest transaction follows his controversial history of altering starchitect-designed homes, including the demolition of a Tadao Ando-designed Malibu beach house he purchased in 2021 for $57.3 million and later sold for $21 million after legal battles. The apartment, once a pristine example of Vervoordt’s minimalist style, was left as an “authentic blank canvas” by West, offering the new owner full creative freedom. While key structural elements like exposed beam ceilings and arched doorways remained intact, the space was otherwise stripped to its shell. This approach contrasts sharply with Vervoordt’s original vision, which West has repeatedly disregarded in his renovations. West’s actions raise questions about the preservation of architectural integrity and the long-term value of high-design properties. His tendency to dismantle meticulously crafted spaces underscores the challenges of balancing personal aesthetic with the respect due to architectural masterpieces. This sale not only reflects West’s unique approach to real estate but also sheds light on the broader implications of renovating historic or architecturally significant homes. For readers interested in design, this story offers insight into the intersection of artistry and commerce in architecture. It highlights how high-profile figures like West influence the preservation—and potential loss—of architectural heritage. The sale
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Originally published on Architectural Digest on 2/13/2026
Kanye West Finds a Buyer for Demolished Apartment In Alex Vervoordt-Designed Building