Sarah Douglas and Matt Chaban of the New York Observer combine their encyclopedic knowledge of Larry Gagosian and New York real estate to offer a comprehensive look at Gagosian’s real estate portfolio—and history. They make an excellent case that the art dealer’s homes, vacation homes and galleries reveal his deal-making playbook. They also offer this throwaway observation about Gagosian’s steely nerves and willingness to out-trade even the toughest of counter-parties.

The pair reveal that the art dealer made more than six times his money buying his Chelsea Gallery from the Gambinos:

consider Mr. Gagosian’s savvy purchase, in 1999, of the West 24th Street building that now houses his gallery there. He bought it from the Gambino family for $5.75 million. In 2007, it was estimated to be valued at around $40 million, with air rights.

Larry Gagosian’s Real Estate Wheelings and Dealings (NY Observer)