A West Village homeowner has been granted permission to build a gate on her house in an effort to stop overeager ‘Sex and the City’ fans from trespassing. Barbara Lorber, who owns 66 Perry Street, was emotional as she explained that the constant stream of fans coming to hang out on the steps and take photos was putting pressure on her building.
The brownstone, built in 1866, gained its celebrity status when it became the exterior setting for Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. Lorber had submitted a letter to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission requesting permission to build a steel and cast-iron gate that would “add to the beauty of the front” rather than look like a barrier.
The commission approved the design, with some members suggesting a more minimal approach. Representatives from two architectural preservation groups and a neighbor testified in support of the gate’s design, citing concerns about personal property being attacked by fans. The emergence of social media has made the iconic stoop a destination for countless fan photos and videos.
Lorber stated that while she welcomes fan photos taken on the street, she does not want fans to climb into her space or enter her windows. The gate will be installed in an effort to protect Lorber’s building and its tenants from the constant attention.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/14/realestate/sex-and-the-city-apartment-new-york.html