
Sex and the City fans have been flocking to NYC’s Greenwich Village Historic District since 1998, curious to catch a glimpse at how columnist and fashionista Carrie Bradshaw was living in the fictional series–and the endless TikToks of people stepping over the chain and “no trespassing” sign at the base of the stoop and recording themselves on the brownstone’s famous steps prove it.
To deter tourists and fans from trespassing on the private property any longer, NYC’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has officially approved a request from owner Barbara Lorber, who has owned the property since 1978, to install a gate at the foot of the landmarked brownstone.
Emily Sundberg, who writes a Substack newsletter titled FeedMe, was presented with a document outlining the presentation that was made to the LPC regarding the gate request. In it included a letter from the owner, which is “very, very rare.”
Lorber states how a talent scout, who was a recent grad from NYU Film School, had asked to use her home in Sex and The City. “At the time, no one knew the show would turn into anything long lasting…much less, the iconic fantasy vehicle and touchstone for NYC’s magic that it has become,” stated Lorber.
Because of this, Lorber notes how her home is now a “global tourist destination.” “At any hour of the day or night, there are groups of visitors in front of the house taking flash photos, engaging in loud chatter, posting on social media, making TikTok videos, or just celebrating the moment,” she stated.
Years ago the 6th Precinct advised Lorber to put up the chain and “no trespassing” sign, though many disregard it. Fans have instead climbed over the chain and gone as far as to try to open the main entrance door or ring the doorbells. Some have even graffitied the steps and carved initials into the main door frame, she said.
Not wanting to have to install the gate Lorber hoped the buzz around her brownstone would pass, but unfortunately that just isn’t the case. Architect Isidoro Cruz presented the designs for the gate, which will match the existing iron railings and fence. The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the application, though they plan to create a more simplified design with Cruz.
If you’d like to live vicariously through Bradshaw, forget taking to her NYC brownstone and instead just do so via reruns on your TV.