Manfredi Catella: The Architect of Milan’s Skyline and His Expanding Ambitions
Milan’s dramatic transformation into a global hub of design and finance is inextricably linked to the vision of Manfredi Catella, the property developer often dubbed the “king of skyscrapers.” A journey through the burgeoning Porta Nuova district, a testament to his ambition, reveals a man who doesn’t just build structures, but crafts legacies – and isn’t afraid to name a bridge “Bridge of Sighs” in the process.
Born in 1968 in Livorno to Sicilian parents, Catella’s path was forged through experiences in Paris, London, and Chicago before he embarked on his defining adventure with Hines in Porta Nuova. His career, however, is also interwoven with complex relationships, including one with Salvatore Ligresti, whose land dealings in the late 1980s later came under scrutiny during Italy’s Tangentopoli scandal.
Catella’s influence extends beyond bricks and mortar. He possesses an extraordinary ability to navigate international relations, culminating in the 2015 sale of the Porta Nuova project to the sovereign fund of Qatar for nearly €2.5 billion. This deal marked a pivotal moment, allowing Catella to shift his focus to Coima, the family real estate company founded in 1974 by his father, Riccardo Catella, a pioneer of the Italian real estate sector. Riccardo’s legacy is honored through the Riccardo Catella Foundation, established within the heart of Porta Nuova, near the iconic Library of the Trees (Bam).
A graduate of Cattolica University with a degree in Business Economics and a master’s from the Polytechnic of Turin, Catella’s education was complemented by a practical “real estate school” experience and the mentorship of figures like Gerry Hines, for whom he opened the Italian branch of the Hines company. Together, they developed the Unicredit Tower, Gae Aulenti Square, the residential towers of the Vertical Forest, and other defining structures of modern Milan.
Today, Coima manages 30 real estate funds with investments totaling €10 billion, partnering with major players like CDP. Catella’s ambitions, however, are not confined to Milan. He is actively pursuing large-scale regeneration projects centered around railway stations, with plans for a major airport at Farini – potentially even relocating the city’s stadium – and a consortium with Covivio and Prada to develop the Roman airport area. The latter project is slated to host the Olympic Village for the Milan Cortina 2026 games, though it has faced scrutiny regarding its “private” nature despite being a “public” intervention, requiring negotiations with the government over cost overruns amid economic challenges. Both airport bids have been successfully secured and are currently in development.
Catella’s vision extends to Rome, aiming to replicate the Milan model in the capital. Even within Porta Nuova, expansion continues, often sparking controversy over “cubature” – building volume – and requiring intense lobbying at regional and local levels. In 2021, he proposed an elevated, New York-style High Line, a floral walkway offered to the city in exchange for additional building rights, a move that ignited a political battle over territory regulations and building derogations. This influence has led to the expression “Catella laws” circulating among architects and engineers, acknowledging his considerable sway.
Despite any controversy, Catella is widely credited with initiating Milan’s recent urban planning revolution. He maintains a relatively low profile, often spotted queuing at the popular, reservation-free dairy restaurant in Brera with his wife, Kelly Russell, an American of Georgian descent who serves as Coima’s head of communications. His influence, however, is undeniable, shaping not only the skyline but also the future of Italian urban development.
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July 16, 2025 (modification on July 16, 2025 | 19:44)
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