Firm of former Home Shopping Network CEO pays $17 million for Palm Beach mansion
By Brian Bandell
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Jun 9, 2023

A firm led by James G. Held, the former CEO of Home Shopping Network, paid $17.1 million for a mansion in Palm Beach.

Richard C. Cowell Jr. and Christopher T. Cowell, as trustees of the Richard C. Cowell and Jacqueline Cowell Real Estate Trust, sold the 7,820 square foot home at 240 El Vedado Road, to 164 Seminole Xchange LLC, care of JPBK Properties #2 and managed by Held. The price for the off-market deal equated to $2,187 per square foot.

The buyer immediately filed notice with the county that it started construction of a new roof.

The home, built on the 0.65-acre lot in 1993, last sold for $2.48 million in 1995, so it had a big gain in value. It was not a homestead residence for Cowell Sr., who died in December at 95.

Held was CEO of Tampa-based Home Shopping Network from 1995 to 1999. In 2005, he was named president of Shop At Home, part of E.W. Scripps Co. Shop At Home ceased operations in 2008.

In 2021, a company managed by Held sold a home on Jungle Road for $35.75 million. JPBK Properties, managed by Held, still owns homes at 164 Seminole Ave. and 169-173 Root Trail.