Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms Inc, is said to be building a large estate called Koolau Ranch in Kauai, Hawaii. This compound will combine luxury and survivalist elements, including a 5,000-square-foot underground bunker equipped with independent energy and food sources. The bunker’s design includes a concrete-filled metal door, a common feature in shelters and bunkers. Costing an estimated $100 million in construction, in addition to the $170 million spent on acquiring the land, the Koolau Ranch project by Mark Zuckerberg exemplifies a growing trend among Silicon Valley elites, combining preparedness and luxury. The total investment amounts to around $270 million (Rs 2240 crore), as reported by Wired. The project has been shrouded in secrecy, with strict non-disclosure agreements for workers, who face surveillance from numerous cameras and military-style security measures, including reported firings for social media posts about their involvement.
Mark Zuckerberg’s acquisition of the land for Koolau Ranch has raised concerns and speculation. Initially, he concealed the purchases using shell companies and brokers. These entities are now entangled in multiple lawsuits, alleging pressure on locals with ancestral land rights to sell or engage in bidding wars against one of the wealthiest individuals globally.
The extensive 1,400-acre Koolau Ranch is not just centred around the bunker. It is designed to encompass more than 30 bedrooms and bathrooms, with two mansions connected to the bunker through a tunnel. Additionally, nearly a dozen tree houses, connected by rope bridges, aim to offer an immersive treetop experience for guests. The compound will also include amenities like a fitness centre, guest houses, and various operational buildings.
The county where the Koolau Ranch is located provides tax incentives for constructing hurricane-resistant safe rooms, potentially influencing the construction of the robust bunker. Despite the expansive development, representatives of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan underscore their dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the ranch. They highlight that the development occupies less than 1% of the land, with the majority allocated to farming, ranching, conservation, and wildlife preservation.
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