NEW YORK — If you’re planning to celebrate Carrie Bradshaw with a cosmopolitan cocktail at her iconic Manhattan brownstone from “Sex and the City,” you might want to reconsider.
Recently, the Landmarks Preservation Commission of New York City approved an application to install a gate at the location after Barbara Lorber, the building’s owner since 1978, expressed her concerns about the constant influx of fans flocking to the site. This charming three-story structure situated in the Greenwich Village historic district served as the backdrop for Carrie Bradshaw, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker.
During her moving testimony, Lorber remarked, “After decades of waiting for this change, I believe it is time to acknowledge that the fascination with my staircase isn’t going anywhere soon.” This comes after the stoop has been blocked off with a “no trespassing” sign, yet local residents reported that the chain hasn’t stopped eager fans from causing disturbances in the area.
All eight members of the commission unanimously endorsed the application, marking a significant step toward regulating the historic West Village neighborhood. Lorber’s architect is expected to collaborate with commission staff to finalize the design of the gate.
“Sex and the City,” which aired for six seasons beginning in 1998, revolved around the lives and relationships of Carrie and her three close friends. While Carrie’s fictional home was depicted as being on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, in reality, the building used for filming is several cab rides away. The series has since inspired two movies and a follow-up show titled “And Just Like That…”
On Wednesday, Anthony Gillbee from Melbourne, Australia, snapped a photo with his teenage son in front of the beloved brownstone to share with his wife. He acknowledged the difficulties of having crowds frequently lingering outside a private residence. “It’s an iconic venue,” he stated. “However, adding a gate may alter its overall appearance, which could ultimately detach it from its identity as Carrie Bradshaw’s house.”
