Meta Platforms Inc. META CEO Mark Zuckerberg is secretly building a massive $100 million compound on the northeast side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
What To Know: Zuckerberg's 1,400-acre project, known as Kualoa Ranch, is shrouded in secrecy, with strict non-disclosure agreements (NDA) preventing workers from discussing the details.
The compound includes two mansions, a network of treehouses, a gym, pools, saunas, and an underground shelter with living space, a mechanical room, and an escape hatch.
The compound's construction is estimated to cost $100 million, while the land's value is being pegged at $170 million. Construction has been ongoing since 2014 when Zuckerberg first purchased the land, reported Wired.
The secrecy has created a mystique around the compound, with locals speculating about its purpose, ranging from an underground city to a post-apocalyptic bunker.
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The scale of the project, the level of secrecy, and the use of NDAs for a private residence are highly unusual, with some workers reportedly fired for sharing information on social media.
The compound’s features, resembling a bunker, have drawn attention, raising questions about the mindset of wealthy individuals seeking to insulate themselves from societal challenges.
Zuckerberg has also been involved in lawsuits to acquire ancestral lands and faced backlash for his actions. Despite the controversy, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have become major philanthropists on Kauai, donating millions to local nonprofits.
Why It Matters: The project reflects a broader trend among wealthy individuals, including tech billionaires, purchasing secluded properties for privacy and security.
Zuckerberg's rival, Tesla co-founder and CEO Elon Musk, has also been allegedly building a secretive "Glass House" project, also dubbed "Project 42."
While Musk has denied building a house of any kind using Tesla funds, the world's richest person is under an investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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