Sure the rental market is crazy in NYC—we live in old warehouses, shoebox size apartments, even studios with no kitchen! However, one man in particular has taken NYC living to a whole new level by making a home in an old laundromat for the past five years.
28-year-old Sampson Dahl has been living and paying rent in a former laundromat in Maspeth, Queens after finding it on an online forum in 2019. His what you could call quirkier than normal living space has since gone viral on TikTok and YouTube, as many were fascinated by the space and price.
In a TikTok interview, Dahl described his space to be divided in “stations” that face different directions. He even kept the original laundromat sign from the 80s and other aspects of the former business.
Since moving in, Dahl has begun hosting various events and gatherings to help pay his $1,900 monthly rent, following the Writers Guild of America strike. According to CNBC Make It, Dahl worked in TV and film set design. Due to his prior occupation, he was able to score many eclectic pieces that now furnish his laundromat-turned-apartment. It’s through his unique space and others’ interest to see it that he’s able to remain living on his own there.
“I’ve gotten to focus on the space a lot, so I’ve been throwing shows, events, and intimate gatherings almost weekly at this point,” Dahl told CNBC Make It. “It’s been a great opportunity to kind of dive into the space more.”
Though Dahl shared the former laundromat isn’t exactly a dream home, he’d still love if there was a way to maintain it as an event space once he moves into a more traditional living space.
“I’d love to live across the street.” Dahl told CNBC Make It. “I’ve been looking for years and always keep my eye on the block.”