Carrie Bradshaw’s (Sex and The City) building soon to be hidden to preserve the tranquility of residents

An obligatory visit, a souvenir photo. This is what the New York building at 66 Perry Street, in the West Village, represented for fans of Sex and the City. Used mainly for exterior shots, the building’s steps illustrated the apartment of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), main character in the series, and she was often seen on these steps.

The place quickly became an essential place for admirers of the successful fiction of the 2000s, which recounted the adventures of four ambitious New Yorkers. The series even inspired two film adaptations, as well as a sequel, And Just Like That, in 2021, keeping the craze intact and sometimes too intense. Following complaints from residents and the property owner, the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the installation of a gate to protect their privacy.

“Don’t look out our windows”

The residence, acquired by Barbara Lorber in 1979, is a listed building, which means that any modification of its facade requires the prior agreement of the Commission, in charge of the preservation of the city’s historic sites. On Tuesday, January 14, the owner appeared before the latter to justify the need to protect the building and its residents from the numerous visitors who, according to her, constantly flock to photograph themselves on the legendary steps in the series broadcast between 1998 and 2004.

«This house should not be hidden by a gate. But what was beautiful in the 19th century needs more protection today», expressed the owner, as reported by New York Times. .A neighbor described the situation as “scandalous” and denounced attacks on property “every day, all day”. “Take all the photos you want from the street, but please don’t enter our space, don’t look through our windows», Also added Barbara Lorber, according to the New York daily.

A portal as a solution

During the hearing, Barbara Lorber was supported by architect Isidoro Cruz, who proposed a project combining steel and concrete. He assured that the structure “would add to the beauty of the facade, without being reduced to a simple barrier“. All members of the Commission agreed, but opted for a lighter and more streamlined installation. No date has yet been set for the implementation of the project.

This is not the first time that a private site, seen on television or in the cinema, has had to establish restrictions to preserve the privacy of its inhabitants. Thus, the house used in White Night in Seattle was also forced to install a gate. Similarly, in London, the house representing Harry Potter was sold with the condition that the new owners install a high fence to protect themselves from fans.

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