Extell Development Company

Extell Development Company, founded in 1989 by Gary Barnett, is the real estate equivalent of a glitzy Vegas show—flashy, ambitious and occasionally a little too eager to flaunt its assets. Known for its sky-high residential towers and luxurious hotels, Extell has been behind some of New York City’s most audacious construction projects like "One57," the über-exclusive skyscraper with a lobby that screams "you'll never be rich enough." The company's defining moment was probably the spectacularly controversial push into the high-end residential market, which has made it a darling of the press and a frequent target of NIMBY protests. With a current valuation in the billions, Extell's track record includes high-stakes deals and a few legal squabbles, notably over zoning laws and tenant complaints. Not one to shy away from drama, Barnett has played both hero and villain in the New York real estate saga, but always with an eye for the next big deal. While its buildings might loom over Manhattan, Extell’s penchant for high-stakes gambles ensures it remains as unpredictable as a roulette wheel.