The owner of the iconic West Village apartment, known for being the exterior of Carrie Bradshaw’s fictional NYC home on Sex and the City, is standing firm against the overwhelming number of fans who continually flock to the property.
Located in the Greenwich Village Historic District, the building has become a tourist hotspot, much to the dismay of its current owner.
The property owner has now submitted a request to the Landmarks Preservation Commission, seeking approval to install a steel and cast iron gate at the bottom of the brownstone’s steps to prevent further disturbances.
Frustrations Over Relentless Tourist Activity
The apartment’s owner expressed their frustrations in a formal application, stating that their home has become a “global tourist destination.”
According to the request, visitors are constantly climbing over the chain, posing for photos, dancing, and even attempting to open the front door.
Some tourists, intoxicated late at night, have been known to ring the doorbell.
The situation has escalated to the point where graffiti has been painted on the steps and initials have been carved into the door frame.
A Longtime Wish for Privacy
After enduring this situation for over 20 years, the owner has decided it’s time to take action.
In the application, the owner revealed that despite placing a “no trespassing” sign on the property, it has not deterred the throngs of Sex and the City fans.
The owner had hoped that the fascination with the steps would fade over time, but the constant attention from tourists shows no signs of stopping.
Neighbors Express Concern Over Tourist Crowds
This surge in tourist activity has had a direct impact on the neighborhood.
A frustrated neighbor shared with The Mail on Sunday that during the winter months, at least 50 people per hour visit the steps, with that number skyrocketing during the holidays and summer months.
The disruption has become a major concern, particularly as the property is located in a historic district, requiring any changes to be approved by local authorities.
A Pricey Piece of Real Estate
The townhouse, purchased in 1996, was valued at over $9 million in 2020.
It gained immense recognition after the show Sex and the City aired, with the apartment’s steps becoming a pilgrimage site for fans of the show.
Past Tensions with Sarah Jessica Parker
The ongoing issue with tourists isn’t the only source of frustration for the owners.
In 2014, Sarah Jessica Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the series, sparked outrage when she used the steps for a photoshoot promoting her Nordstrom shoe line.
The owners had posted “no trespassing” signs, but Parker went ahead with the shoot anyway, ignoring their requests for an explanation.
This only added to the tensions surrounding the property’s fame and the owner’s attempts to maintain their privacy.
A Lasting Legacy for Sex and the City Fans
Sex and the City first aired in 1998 and ran for six seasons, with a total of 94 episodes.
The show’s enduring popularity has led to two feature films in 2008 and 2010, as well as a reboot series, And Just Like That…, which premiered in 2021.
Despite the passing years, the West Village apartment remains a symbol of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic New York life.
However, for the owner, it’s become a source of ongoing frustration.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn