An iconic building in Manhattan’s West Village that served as Carrie Bradshaw’s home in HBO’s “Sex and the City” is facing challenges due to its newfound fame. The homeowner has submitted a letter to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission requesting permission to build a gate across the front stoop to deter intrusive fans who flock to the location to take photos and videos, disrupting the residents’ quality of life.
The building has become a global tourist destination since the show premiered in 1998, with visitors constantly gathering in front of the house, taking photos, making TikTok videos, and being loud. Despite previous attempts to deter trespassers with a chain, many fans still climb over the barrier to pose on the steps.
The proposed gate, designed by architect Isidoro Cruz to match the building’s historic facade, will be reviewed at a public hearing held by the commission. The brownstone, built in 1866, is part of Greenwich Village’s historic district, so any updates must be approved.
The enduring cultural relevance of “Sex and the City,” with subsequent movies, spinoffs, and a move to Netflix, along with the rise of social media, has made the building a popular backdrop for fan photos. Author Candace Bushnell, who wrote the book the show is based on, acknowledges the frustrations of the building’s residents and the challenges social media has introduced. She supports the request for a gate to protect the building and its inhabitants from the constant influx of visitors seeking the perfect Instagram shot.