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Dakota Apartments Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York City by Ajay Suresh –

10 Best Facts about the Dakota Building

The Dakota building, also called the Dakota Apartments is arguably one of the world鈥檚 most-known apartment buildings. The history behind this exclusive residence is riddled with mystery, intrigue, and gossip of the highest order.

This monumental building was completed in 1884 and has been open since. It is located at the corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West. The home to many high-profile public figures, the Dakota also refused to host some very popular celebrities adding to the mentioned gossip above.

From stories of ghost signings to the building鈥檚 board denying celebrities access publicly, it’s easy to see why the Dakota is popular and even more mysterious. Here are some top facts about the ghostly Dakota apartments!

1. Designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh

Edward Clark 1850 by Unknown Author –

The visionary behind the Dakota building is known as Edward C. Clark, a lawyer, and businessman. In 1879, Clark announced plans to construct an apartment complex at the intersection of 72nd Street and Eighth Avenue. The location was later renamed Central Park West in 1883.

Clark hired Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, an American architect to design the eight-story 鈥榝amily hotel鈥�. Hardenbergh filed the plans in September 1880 and construction began in October 1880. Construction lasted for 4 years and by 1st October 1884, it was ready for occupancy.

2. Construction Cost Between $1.5 and $2 million

Dollars by Gerd Altmann from

According to the design presented by Hardenbergh, the budget for the hotel was estimated to be $1 million. However, due to labor strikes by workers in 1882 and 1883 among other issues, the budget was exceeded significantly.

Construction ended up costing in the region of 1.5 to 2 million dollars. That is somewhere between $45 million to $60 million. Once construction was completed, the yearly rent was announced to be $1,500 to $5,000.

3. There Was No Vacancy for The First 45 Years

The Dakota had gained fame even before it was completed. Plans were widely publicized with constant reports being made through popular publications such as the Real Estate Record.

It had already created a reputation as a prestigious establishment. A reputation it has somehow maintained to this date despite all the shenanigans. When the opening date was announced, it was also announced that one-quarter of the units had already been rented.

This only went on to add more demand for the apartments at the complex. Also, the positive reviews after opening did them great favors. So much so that there were no vacancy announcements at the Dakota for 45 years from its opening. All units were booked months or even years before current tenants left.

4. Celebrities Do Not Get Special Treatment

Over the years the Dakota building has built a reputation as an esteemed establishment. This has therefore meant that celebrities and high-profile celebrities all want to be associated with the complex.

Over the years several mega stars have lived at the apartment complex. This includes Peter Tchaikovsky, Lauren Bacall, Rosemary Clooney, Judy Garland, John Madden, Yoko Ono, Gilda Radner, and Harlan Coben.

Despite hosting these popular stars, the building鈥檚 board has also turned away some big names. This while bringing a lot of controversies has contributed to their reputation as a distinguished establishment.

Some big names have been denied residency at the building. This includes; Billy Joel, Madonna, Gene Simmons, Alex Rodriguez, Carly Simon, Antonio Banderas, and Cher.

5. No Fire Escapes

One thing that is glaringly obvious by looking at the massive building is the lack of fire escapes. So how was the building approved for use without this crucial safety measure?

Henry J. Hardenbergh, the architect, deliberately avoided fire exits. The building was made both fireproof and soundproof by spreading Central Park mud between the layers of brick flooring.

6. Ghost Sightings in The Building

Ghost by StockSnap from

One of the most mysterious things about the Dakota building is the many ghost tales and sightings. I mean one is probably just a tale but when there are several ghost stories you start to question if ghosts are real!

Construction workers claimed to have seen an apparition of a man’s body with a small boy’s face in the 1960s. Residents claim to have still seen a young child dressed in historical attire waving and smiling at them.

At the Dakota, John Lennon, a Beatles musician, claimed to have seen a crying ghostly woman. Yoko Ono, Lennon鈥檚 wife, allegedly said she saw John Lennon’s ghost playing the piano at their apartment after his passing.

7. John Lennon Was Shot Dead Infront of The Dakota

Lennon and Ono in 1980 by Jack Mitchell –

In 1973, Yoko Ono and her husband John Lennon of the Beatles moved into the Dakota. The Beatles and Lennon were at the peak of their careers at the time.

However, On December 8th, 1980 tragedy would strike at the gates of the Dakota building. John Lennon was shot by a fan, Mark David Chapman. He died moments later at Roosevelt Hospital at age 40. The murder also prompted concern among residents, who demanded more stringent security.

8. There鈥檚 A Hidden Lower-Level Courtyard for Services

The roof of the Dakota during winter, with the “I”-shaped central courtyard by Jun –

There is a lower-level courtyard at The Dakota that is exactly the same size as the famous public patio. From the back side along 73rd Street, there is a driveway that leads to it.

To control services, deliveries, and personnel access, this lower-level courtyard was built. Skylights that are ingeniously “enclosed within a pair of ornamental fountains at the street where the carriages could turn” provide illumination.

Dakota鈥檚 architect and designer claimed that the hidden courtyard provides the 鈥減erfect quiet and seclusion for the main courtyard.鈥�

9. Strict and Crazy Application Process

The only thing more absurd than the outrageous amounts people pay to live at the Dakota building is the application to get the chance to live there. Applicants must submit years’ worth of tax returns and financial data, undergo a background check, and pay a fee of more than $1,000.

The co-op board has the right to reject applicants even after they have gone through the arduous application process. So, whether you get the chance or not they get paid? I鈥檇 call it robbery but it’s voluntary.

A former board member who lived at The Dakota filed a defamation and racial discrimination lawsuit against the co-op board in 2011 after it was accused of racism.

10. The Most Expensive Apartment Sale at The Building Cost $21 million

View from 73rd Street and Central Park West by Epicgenius –

Apartment 23, formerly owned by Leonard Bernstein is the most expensive room in the Dakota building. The space includes both original and refurbished window elements, four bedrooms, four baths, a great room with a wood fireplace and views of the park, a library, a formal dining room, a windowed kitchen with a breakfast nook, and four bathrooms.

$25.5 million was the initial asking price, but it only brought in $21 million. Over $1 million went into Lenz’s real estate commission on this transaction. One other notable sale was in 2008 for a cellar storage room with four walls, electricity, a half-bath, and a small window. The room was sold for a whopping $801,000.