An estate fit for a player
Dallas Cowboys receiver Keyshawn Johnson, 32, is known for his work on the football field, but he’s also something of a player in real estate.
Johnson, an All-American at USC before he was drafted by the New York Jets and traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, never lived in this house, but he bought the land -- nearly four acres in the Beverly Hills area -- in 2001.
The house was finally completed in September, six months after Johnson signed a four-year, $20-million contract with the Dallas Cowboys.
Before final touches were applied, architect Richard Landry was approached by Esquire about making the new house the second annual design house for the magazine. With Johnson’s approval, a professional decorator designed each of the rooms, and an estimated 22 charity events were scheduled to be held in the home before Dec. 15.
“The owner gets the upgrades,” said Stephen Shapiro, who has the listing.
About this house: It’s just one of Johnson’s many real estate investments. Since signing with the Cowboys, he sold his Bel-Air Crest home for about $4 million and bought a house in Dallas but still owns a condo in L.A.
He opened a restaurant, Reign, in Beverly Hills, which later closed, but as owner of the land Johnson still made a profit on the place with its sale, said Shapiro, who has represented Johnson in four transactions. Johnson, raised in South-Central L.A., also has been involved in developing low-income housing and a shopping center in the Crenshaw area.
“It’s a business he wants to continue to do after football,” Shapiro said.
Asking price: $11.95 million
Size: The house has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms in 11,846 square feet.
Features: The home, built by Gordon Gibson, is one of 12 in a gated community called Beverly Ridge. The estate also has canyon and city views, a media center, an office, a pool and a cabana.
Where: The Beverly Hills Post Office area
Listing agent: Stephen Shapiro, (310) 860-8888, and Annie Constantinesco, (310) 860-8899, both with Westside Estate Agency, Beverly Hills.
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To submit a candidate for Home of the Week, please send color interior and exterior photos on a CD and a brief description of the house, including what makes the property unusual, to Ruth Ryon, Real Estate Section, Los Angeles Times, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012; or e-mail homeoftheweek@latimes.com.
