The first Italian location of the popular SUSHISAMBA restaurant will be hosted in the historic Torre Velasca, subject of a restyling project developed by Hines, a global real estate investment. SUSHISAMBA restaurant is known internationally for its experiential, multi-sensory and multi-dimensional cuisine. Hines European Value Fund (HEVF) owns Torre Velasca through HEVF Milan 1, a fund managed by Prelios, with Hines Italy as development manager.
This first lease agreement represents an important milestone for the new Torre Velasca project, highlighting both its ability to attract international brands, not yet present in Italy, and to create unique experiences by enhancing historic buildings and projecting them into a contemporary dimension. Torre Velasca is therefore for SUSHISAMBA the ideal space to add to its portfolio of exclusive locations in Doha, Dubai, Las Vegas and London.
After completing work on the facades, the Tower is currently undergoing a complex and careful restoration of the interior, which will transform the symbol of Milan into a destination of excellence for international experiences, opening the doors of a building that was previously exclusively private and helping to give new light to Piazza Velasca, which will become a meeting and social gathering place for the city. The two new restaurants, including SUSHISAMBA on the 1st floor, will cover a total area of nearly 1,500 square meters spread over two floors. For the first time, the Tower will in fact host a restaurant on the 18th floor, introducing a novel solution for this prestigious space, which will become the highest location overlooking the entire city of Milan.
When it opens, this unprecedented panoramic space, the result of a change of use and historically not accessible as it is dedicated to the technical facilities of the structure, will offer Milan and its citizens a terrace with a unique and exclusive 360° view of Milan: from the traditional marble of the Duomo to the contemporary skyline between Porta Nuova and CityLife.
SUSHISAMBA will offer its signature dishes, creative beverages, a wide selection of wines, sake and champagne, as well as its celebrated entertainment, ensuring unforgettable memories for every visitor. The official opening is expected in the spring of 2024.
“When we began the restoration work, we were very clear about our goal: to return to the city a renovated and redeveloped tower with a view to sustainability, safety and livability of spaces while respecting its priceless historical value,” said Mario Abbadessa, senior managing director & country head of Hines Italy. “This is an important step for Torre Velasca destined to attract international brands and provide a unique experience for Milan, its citizens and visitors, who will no longer have to limit themselves to admiring the iconic monument from the outside, but will instead have the opportunity to enjoy everything it offers, including SUSHISAMBA.”
Antonio Gonzalez, ceo of Sunset Hospitality, whose portfolio includes SUSHISAMBA, added, “Italy is synonymous with delicious cuisine, so it is absolutely logical that our growth plans involve this market as well. The launch of SUSHISAMBA in Milan is an extraordinary achievement for all of us at SHG, who have been following the Italian food & beverage scene for some time and are excited to be able to consolidate the company’s presence in the market. SUSHISAMBA is renowned for its contemporary gastronomic offerings, dynamic ambiance and extraordinary aesthetics. We look forward to all of you experiencing all of this at the iconic Torre Velasca, from whose strategically central location there are panoramic views of the city.”
The Torre Velasca regeneration project is being overseen by Asti Architetti, in collaboration with ARS, the CEAS firm, ESA Enginering, and the Milan Archaeological, Fine Arts and Landscape Superintendency, while advisors on the deal are CBRE, Colliers and DILS, who are handling the marketing of the spaces.
