From the U-T:
The Coronado mansion at the center of two deaths and much speculation is being sold.
An investment group is in escrow on the historic Spreckels mansion owned by Arizona pharmaceutical tycoon Jonah Shacknai, whose 6-year-old son Max died after accidentally falling over the second-story railing, and whose girlfriend Rebecca Zahau was found hanging from a balcony in July.
Scott Aurich, a Realtor for Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty who brokered the transaction, would not disclose details about the deal, including the purchase price or the identity of the buyers.
The group, which includes a local developer, plans to remodel the property and then put it back on the market. The 12-bedroom oceanfront home is currently listed on Aurich’s website for $14.5 million, although it could be sold for less without the renovations.
Shacknai, who is founder and CEO of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., bought the home in 2007 and used the spread as a summer home when he wasn’t in the Phoenix area.
Aurich said he hopes potential buyers will be able to look past the deaths. The home was built 103 years ago by John D. Spreckels, one of San Diego’s first tycoons.
“Hopefully, the rich history of Spreckels owning it and the luminaries who were entertained there outweigh the recent history of the tragedy,” he said. “It’s still one of the most premiere estate properties in Coronado.”
More photos here.
