NEW YORK — Fans of “Sex and the City” may need to rethink their plans to pose for photos on the iconic steps of Carrie Bradshaw’s Manhattan brownstone.
In a recent decision, the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission approved the installation of a gate at the historic building after long-time owner Barbara Lorber expressed her concerns over the constant influx of visitors drawn to what has become a celebrity hotspot. The three-story brownstone, located in Greenwich Village, served as the exterior for Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment, a character famously portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker.
“I’d hoped for literally decades that this would pass,” Lorber stated during her testimony to the commission. “But at this point, I think even someone as stubborn as I am has to admit that this isn’t going away in the near future.”
The stoop has been marked with a “no trespassing” sign, but reports suggest that this has done little to deter fans, with neighbors noting the disruption caused by those eager to take their own piece of “Sex and the City” history.
The commission voted unanimously in favor of the application, which is an important step for the preservation of the West Village neighborhood. Lorber’s architect is now set to collaborate with commission staff on the final design of the gate.
“Sex and the City” captivated audiences for six seasons starting in 1998, chronicling the lives and relationships of Carrie and her friends. Although the show depicted Carrie living on the Upper East Side, the actual filming took place at the Greenwich Village location, which later gave rise to two feature films and a sequel series.
Tourists continue to flock to the residence, with one visitor, Anthony Gillbee from Melbourne, Australia, expressing his mixed feelings. “It’s an iconic venue,” he remarked after taking a photo with his son. “But if you put a gate at the front, it would change the whole appearance of it. And so it wouldn’t be Carrie Bradshaw’s house anymore.”
