_{SOURCE: theclose.com}

Happy Thursday! Well, here we are again with our quest to discover more of the strangest real estate facts.

1. The Great Pyramids Are in the Suburbs of Cairo

When most people think of the Great Pyramids, they think of a mystical oasis accessible only by a journey across endless oceans of sand—on a camel. The reality is the city of Cairo has expanded so rapidly in the last 10 years that the city’s outskirts are practically on top of this ancient site.

2. A Canadian Company Owns the Mall of America

The largest mall in the United States, the Mall of America, is not American owned. It’s owned by the Triple Five Group, a real estate conglomerate based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (which also happens to own the retail complex known as American Dream in New Jersey). The massive shopping mecca, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, also has its own ZIP code (55425). 

3. The Iconic Hollywood Sign Was Originally a Real Estate Stunt

The original intent of the iconic Hollywood sign built into the side of Mount Lee was to promote the sale of homes and property.

According to the L.A. Times in 1923, the area would provide “a clean, healthful atmosphere and beautiful outlook of the (Hollywood) Hills.” Hollywoodland was said to be “above the turmoil of the city,” and “the supreme achievement in community building.”

4. Russia Sold Alaska to the U.S. for 2 Cents per Acre

The United States bought the 375 million acres we now call Alaska from Russia in 1876 for $7.2 million, or about $126.5 million in today’s market. Though the Alaska Purchase Treaty certainly provided some upside to Russia at the time, the U.S. has come out a huge financial winner in the deal thanks to the massive oil deposits discovered in the 49th state in 1967.

5. McDonald’s Is a Company Built on Real Estate, Not Burgers

Fast food isn’t McDonald’s only source of income. McDonald’s Corporation makes a substantial amount of money in real estate. In fact, in most business circles, it’s considered more a real estate company than a fast food business. The company retains ownership of each location’s land and charges its franchise owners rent along with the standard royalties and franchise fees each month. It’s a business model developed by Ray Kroc, the franchise founder, that helped keep them at the top of the food chain for decades.

Come back next Thursday for more of these real estate intriguing facts!