The Mystery of The Dakota: New York's Celebrity Mansion

The Dakota building - located on seventy-second street in Manhattan’s now illustrious Upper West Side - has long served as the domestic home for cultural luminaries - from rock gods to famed authors - yet its halls are equally famed for inexplicable phenomena - rendering it one of the most enigmatic locations one could reside in.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:47 1. Beginnings of The Dakota Mansion
4:25 2. The 20th Century Appeal of The Dakota
6:16 3. The Darker Side of the Dakota
8:28 4. The Dakota’s Legacy and Modern Life
10:49 5. The Present and Future of The Dakota
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Welcome to another episode of Old Money Mansions, where today we dive deep into the enigmatic and luxurious world of The Dakota-a building that transcends the mere concept of an apartment complex and stands as a beacon of cultural sophistication and architectural brilliance. Located on 72nd Street in Manhattan's now illustrious Upper West Side, The Dakota is more than just a residence. It's a living, breathing entity, a hub for artists and intellectuals, and a sanctuary that has captivated celebrities, authors, and musicians alike.
Our journey begins in the autumn of 1880 when The Dakota first opened its doors to an awestruck public. Crafted by the visionary Edward Clark, this grand edifice broke the mold of traditional apartment living. With its audacious facade of red brick and golden sandstone, it stood tall among quaint brownstones as an epitome of opulence. Clark was no ordinary developer; he was a man with the ambition to redefine the art of living well. Envisioning The Dakota as more than just a residence, Clark aimed to create a haven for New York City's elite, complete with amenities that were revolutionary for the era-like central heating and gas lighting.
As decades passed, the allure of The Dakota only grew stronger. Even during the trying times of the Great Depression, its shine never dimmed. Whether it was Judy Garland, Rosalind Russell, or Cole Porter, this iconic building served as a refuge for those who craved privacy and luxury. By 1957, The Dakota had achieved landmark status, safeguarding its grandeur for future generations.
But not all has been idyllic within these walls. The 1970s and 1980s brought darker times, forever altering its aura. The tragic assassination of John Lennon at The Dakota's entrance in 1980 reverberated around the world. In the aftermath, the building's co-op board implemented a labyrinth of stringent security measures. Despite challenges and controversies, including allegations of wrongful eviction and exclusionary practices, The Dakota's legacy has endured.
In recent years, thanks to advocates like Yoko Ono, the building has continued to evolve while preserving its historical integrity. A 2018 renovation restored its architectural skeleton and introduced modern-day luxuries. Despite the ever-competitive New York real estate market, The Dakota remains a sought-after address, its enduring allure reflected in escalating median sale prices.
Today, The Dakota is a paradoxical blend of historic grandeur and contemporary amenities, serving as both a sanctuary and a hub of creativity. Its story, woven into the fabric of American culture, makes it more than just a structure-it's a crossroads where culture, tragedy, and celebrity intersect.
We invite you to join our growing community of architecture and mansion aficionados by sharing your thoughts below. Whether you've visited The Dakota or have an opinion on its unique style, we can't wait to hear from you.

[@oldmoneymansions]

Have you been to the Dakota before - or have an opinion on its architectural style?

[@michaelreid6937]

I have friends who lived at the Dakota in the 1980s. They had a 7 room apartment that was once part of an even larger unit. Luckily, there were many of the original architectural elements and 3 majestic fireplaces. The public areas were grand, but dreary. Riding with the elevator guys in the old hydraulic lifts was great - each elevator was fitted with a banquette for the slow trips up & down.

[@Xane_Dragon]

​@@michaelreid6937 Well no more Yoko, she finally moved 😂

[@michaelreid6937]

@@Xane_Dragon Well, after all these years, I suppose it's time to make a positive statement about Yoko. If she was occasionally spotted in the hall, she ran by everyone to avoid contact. It wasn't unpleasant.

[@patrickpagano9]

I have loved the Dakota for as long as I can remember. I am a native New Yorker and at the ago of 70, I can honestly say I think it’s the most beautiful apartment dwelling ever !! I wish I can see something in the interior, being a corridor, a lobby, an elevator, anything. But the mystery of its interior is also captivating for me…I hope it will be here for centuries to come. Great video !!

[@j1st633]

Two interesting stories. I lived around the corner on 71st Street. I was invited to a birthday party in the Dakota not knowing the kid. We were screened by the doorman and let upstairs to the apartment. There were 6 of us. All neighborhood kids. We went in sat down and the maid came out and realizing we were just the kids from the block, asked us to leave. The birthday kid was Harry Balafonte 's son. The other story was my sister went to Judy Holidays apartment and played with her daughter.

[@johnnysunrocket8618]

Facts!

[@retroredo9850]

That seems rude of maid! Maybe his son want his own friends there and not just celebs!

[@LannieLord]

Poorly told story: WHO invited you to this party? Was it by a mailed invitation? Or a phone call to your parents ? WHY did the maid make you leave? WHERE was Harry Belafonte & wife & kids at time? WHY did the maid not go and say, "Mr. Belefonte: there are some children here for the party "? Also WHO brought you there ? A parent ? They just let little kids go to a strange building by themselves ?????? Lastly ; WHAT YEAR was THIS 1950s ? 1960? ? And was the birthday party for Shari ?

[@davidleblanc1479]

The Dakota is a pilgrimage destination for me in every visit to New York, usually twice yearly. I love everything about it!

[@LJB103]

I spent a week there babysitting a friend's courtyard facing small apartment back in the 70's. Terribly slow elevators (hopefully changed in the renovations and narrow, rather creepy, hallways. Excellent video. Now for one about 740 Park Avenue.

[@LannieLord]

Poorly explained: You had to babysit a courtyard ? Facing the Dakota? Were you IN the Dakota? Or a building that faced it ?

[@LJB103]

@@LannieLord You seem to have the words but are breaking them up to create nonsense.

[@rocker76m88]

Thank you for sparing us Yoko's screeching, I mean singing in the video

[@maryellenshock]

Where Yoko got told she could sing - that person was crazy! I hope John wasn't the one! Her voice is worse than fingernails on a chalkboard!!

[@sonampalmo3578]

Caterwauling for peace. Commie witch.

[@Tam5115]

I have never been there, but it is something I would love to see. I was 18 years old on December 8, 1980. I remember it vividly, and it changed me. Just seeing a picture of the building brings terror and sorrow. The building looks spooky itself, without the tragedy. I've seen Rosemary's Baby several times, and The Dakota is perfect for a horror movie!

[@Xane_Dragon]

Well it's December 8 and with Yokos departure Lennons eternal candle has been extinguished

[@maryshaver129]

I would love to see the layout of the apartments. From the top looking down and including measurements. Plus, a walk through.

[@RichManhattanite11]

The upper west side is the most luxurious neighborhood in the world…. The real estate prices are spectacular! ❤❤❤❤❤ it is illllustrteiousssssss

[@michaelreid6937]

It's hardly the most luxurious in the world. The real estate prices are comparable to most in Manhattan. Admittedly, many of us who've had the pleasure of calling the Upper West Side home have been very lucky.

[@bpd9660]

Lol, any neighborhood in Paris... hold my beer

[@michaelreid6937]

@@bpd9660 🗼tellement vrais 😉

[@j1st633]

I was listening to an interview with Bela Lagose's son who wrote a book on his father. He was The first celebratory actor residing there. At first they did not grand approval because he was an actor.

[@sarahp1383]

I am privileged to listen to this narration, of the iconic residence The Dakota, its history, its distinctive architectural elements, what it means to the celebrities down the years and its continuing aura of being a regal structure. I dont know if I will ever have the opportunity to see this magnificent building. But this video gave me great insights into its exclusive world of luxury and a certain kind of regal aloofness it maintains from the rest of the world. Splendid narration. Thank you for this video.

[@oldmoneymansions]

Thank you Sarah! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@starsrhi2335]

GOOD AFTERNOON - One thing about architectural style, especially like the Dakota, or any like it - make sure the changes don't fall off the bridge. Keep the spirit and mood of the place. Just shine it up a bit, but not too much. Let the Dakota, be the Diamond of the Island, for there is none like it. Keep it in order as long as you can, and continue to advertise the place, for those wanting some highrise security......gee....we all want that. Stay the course, and don't turn weird on us. Thank you.......from an fellow artist who draws my own buildings, homes, and sites, to suit my own fancy. Take care.

[@michaelreid6937]

The building in 5:08 is The Dorrillton at the corner of 71st Street and Broadway...a wonderful example of enough is never enough.

[@jeaniechampagne8831]

I believe only those who have spent a lifetime in NYC or neighboring areas who relish being institutionalized, if they could afford it, would be interested. If they only knew what it's like to own your own property, grass, trees and all without restrictions. To each his own.

[@retroredo9850]

They do own their own property! Those that live their have lifestyles that they don't want lawns! Lauren Bacall apartment was like 4000 Sq feet! And balconies. It also has own restaurant! I don't think tgefelt institutionalized after a year or 2 on location, being chaseby fans to go back to your own resort home! Some also have central park view.

[@arslongavitabrevis5136]

Hello: I have recently subscribed. I like your videos who combine beautiful images with an enlightening script. It is obvious that you have taken a lot of time to assemble a considerable amount of data and it shows. I have never been to the USA; therefore, I cannot comment on any of the buildings from the point of view of someone who has been there. Thank you so much for these beautiful videos that allow me to visit such magnificent buildings without leaving my home. Regards from Buenos Aires, Argentina. PS: You voice is beautiful.

[@petermacdonald3061]

Thank you for this video, I think the Dakota is one of the most distinctive buildings not only in New York but America. I have only ever seen it in videos pictures etc. but that eclectic style of many schools leaves one wondering how it looks on the inside. Fabulous building hope it stands for many years to come.

[@dannybeun948]

Great documentary txs for updates 🙏

[@larrypicard8802]

Roberta Flack wasn't mentioned who had an apartment there.

[@karlloureiro7568]

So did Lauren Bacall

[@PJay-wy5fx]

@larrypicard8802 no only white people. And Yoko. I was wondering abt Black residents as well.

[@ellenyoung9999]

Beautiful building one of my favorites !

[@trc3381]

Excellent video 😊

[@seanohalloran384]

Legendary building. One of my other favorites nearby is The Apthorp. Great video!

[@RichManhattanite11]

Tell more stories of the upper west side! So many $torie$$$$$$

[@dannybeun948]

Looks just perfect 👌

[@Laura-zy5jp]

Certainly heard of the Dakota primarily because of the 1980 assasination of John Lennon and Yoko Ono raising Sons Sean and Julian at the Dakota. I was just a teenager when John Lennon was shot . Age 14 but I remember the universal grief and sadness this event brought. The Dakota has a long history . It is an archetectural beautiful building . Very unique and historically significant . Was awestruck by the interior luxury in your video. How elegant the apartments really look. Of course I could never afford to live in a large metropolis like New York City . But to visit would be marvolous. I’m glad some of these amazing architecture marvels are being preserved as structures such as the Dakota are not built today. Thank you from a recently new subscriber in Canada😊😊👏🏻👏🏻💯💯👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@AniMerci]

Julian Lennon never lived with his father here. He was raised by his mother, Cynthia, John's first wife. John paid Cynthia a small divorce settlement and covered only Julian's schooling, clothing, and food. He even cut Julian out of his will. Only later in life have Julian and Sean become somewhat close. John was a terrible father to Julian. Thank Yoko for that.

[@AniMerci]

Julian Lennon never lived with his father here. He was raised by his mother, Cynthia, John's first wife. John paid Cynthia a small divorce settlement and covered only Julian's schooling, clothing, and food. He even cut Julian out of his will. Only later in life have Julian and Sean become somewhat close. John was a terrible father to Julian. Thank Yoko for that.

[@mandybradley3079]

Julian visited, but did not live there. That horrible woman pushed John into cutting Julian out of all money, and will. The son that looked just like John. She hated Julian. Her son looks like her. Sad situation.

[@mandybradley3079]

@@AniMerciyes, that’s the truth. Yoko was horrible to Julian, and pushed John to cut him out of everything. Julian had a difficult time not understanding why his father abandoned him. Was in counseling for years. John was a #@&@. And I wish I could say more. No free speech anymore.

[@Patrick-fj4vz]

What are you talking about?

[@hudsonredwater6639]

JUST SUBSCRIBED! GREAT CONTENT

[@oldmoneymansions]

Cheers Hudson! Thanks :)

[@deirdrerosesharples7453]

It's beautiful, there was scaffolding when I was there November 2014, I didn't go in, darn it, my cousin went on date with Sean Lennon, ye many years ago when she lived in NY 😮

[@sjwilloughby-greene8214]

I have not had the pleasure to visit. I feel I need to add this to my visit wish list.

[@eileeneclark9011]

11/12/23...Wonder how much they pay their Security ppl? Bet lots of retired NYC Police already with great retirement plan. Would love to see the complete place insude + out....

[@stuartlee6622]

Boris Karloff had a one-bedroom on the 9th floor.

[@stuartlee6622]

I knew well the person who took over that apartment. It faced West. The 9th floor was originally the servants quarters. Ward Bennett, a famous designer, had a penthouse on the roof. Ruth Ford and Tom Tryon shared a 9th floor apartment. Yoko Ono never contributed to the building's upkeep other than the maint. and must fees. Bernstein had 2 apartments in the building. One was a studio where hustlers would be taken. That small apartment was on the West 72nd Street Side near the entrance. Before the Lennon shooting, security was so poor. Look, they let me and my friends in. Shelley Winters by the way lived next door in the Mayfair Towers.

[@LannieLord]

Please do tell about you and your friends in there. How did you know about the Bernstein sex room ? Were you and your friends ..um.. well... @@stuartlee6622

[@salahuddinmuhammad3251]

Kudos, the narrator is excellent. Name, please?

[@nothingness9296]

Pretty sure it’s ai

[@LannieLord]

Lord Stuffy McMuffin .

[@UncaDave]

Wasn’t “Rosemary’s Baby” filmed here?

[@nsgrid4110]

Filmed, but only the exteriors of the building and its courtyard. And all the interior spaces, like the Castevet' apartment and the Woodhouse family's apartment, are sets in the studio, because, as far as I read about this movie, director Roman Polanski was not allowed to shoot inside the Dakota Building.

[@LannieLord]

The laundry room where Rosemary is meeting Terri was filmed in a totally different building in NYC. The one thing I always wondered about: The scene when Rosemary jumped from the elevator and ran down the hall -- that looked VERY REAL -- was that filmed in "the OTHER NYC" building as well? OR was that a set at the Paramount lot in Hollywood ? I must know this !! @@nsgrid4110

[@iriscross9359]

I use to work down the street from the Dakota 1960

[@JoyceB-qv9xq]

The street signs featured within the first 13 seconds of this video are misleading. The Dakota is located at the corner of W72nd St. and CENTRAL PARK WEST, not 1st Avenue on the east side!

[@sarahjamieson4732]

I don't like the architecture, prefer something more modern and less ornate. But appreciate the amazing location and how it is part of the city's history. I spent time outside when I visited the city, and love its closeness to Central Park. Would not turn down the opportunity to live there, for sure 😂

[@undertheyarrowbear]

My favorite thing about these old magnificent buildings is how the builders thought to make the "first floor" half underground. Its amazing how the windows are basically half buried in all these old structures. Not to mention on a slope! So instead of building on level ground, they built the structures on a slope and half underground....just amazing!! All this with horse and buggy, no quarries in site, no back hoe, no power tools, nothing but grit. Quick, shut down critical thinking skills...now. Power down.

[@eileeneclark9011]

11/12/23...WONDER how much the HOA maintenance is? CAN you imagine the NYC property taxes or the homeowner's insurance???

[@oldmoneymansions]

😬😬😬

[@rebeccadelbridge2998]

$13,000 per month HOA.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

John lennon left 'Tittenhurst park' Estate in Ascot England to live in this dump.

[@v.r.2834]

👍🏼

[@stellarwind1946]

And paid for it with his life at the hands of a deranged wacko.

[@mandybradley3079]

Yoko is horrible, she pushed John into cutting his first son out of all money and will. The son that looks just like JOHN.

[@Xane_Dragon]

Thankfully she is no longer at the Dakota as she is under Sean's care on a farm

[@mandybradley3079]

@@Xane_Dragon did they sell it? Or he kept it?

[@Pappa10001]

Yoko tried to sue Julian to change his surname 😂

[@chrismcdowell7138]

Like Ms. Ono-Lennon, or not, she is one of the main reasons Mr. Chapman has been denied parole, 12 times. I’m guessing, as long as she’s alive, he will continue to rot in Green Haven. Not sure whether Sean and/or Julian have the same fortitude, as Yoko, to continue the fight? For personal selfish reasons, I’m hoping that Yoko is alive at least one day longer, after Mr. Chapman is finally forever gone. Until then, hate her all you want, but hate Mr. Chapman even more!

[@LannieLord]

I have a feeling that they are keeping it as an investment OR Sean lives there with someone? She will never be short on money , nor will her son. @@mandybradley3079

[@rbsmith3365]

I remembered 1968 Rosemary’s Baby film. It showed at courtyard. One of floors old ceramic tiles was worn out and too dark. Plus boring looking laundry room in the basement. Now, a nice lobby and I’m wondering if it made lot of improvements? But, buying a condo is not that easy. It’s up to condo board association. I remembered a musician and his wife wanted to buy it and the condo board rejected them. I think that they are afraid that they would invite too many guests and playing music loudly all hours and going in and out of entrance. Annoying photographers hang out at entrance too. The monthly Condominium association fee is about $11,000 per month. No joke!

[@LannieLord]

The crew was not allowed INSIDE the Dakota to film. Only outside. The scene of Rosemary and Terri in the laundry room - is a totally different building in NYC. The interiors of the apartments were sets in Hollywood! Hard to believe. man it was all so real looking. The scene when Rosemary jumps out of the elavator , falls and gets up running in the hall: I'm not sure if that was ANOTHER BUILDING in NYC or part of the recreated building on the Paramount Lot in Hollywood. (That's when you saw cracked tiles - in reality - I'd think they would have had those FIXED in the REAL Dakota). I love that movie so much. I can watch it EVERY NIGHT !

[@seattlebeard]

It's depressing to know how many of the apartments were largely stripped of their historical elements. A few examples are in this video, but certainly not all of them.

[@smartdoctorphysicist3095]

Hi I am very happy for these people, I could get a nice house and lots of money left over, I can live super well with what is left over from the millions I will have.

[@mandybradley3079]

Yes, visited when I lived in NYC in the 80s. It’s a scary building to me. The outside architecture and I only liked the courtyard and I guess I remember rosemary baby and that’s why I think that.

[@LannieLord]

Mr. Overly Dramatic Man left out the fact that YOKO moved out due to COVID. She lives upstate NY now.

[@iainsanders4775]

FAR too many adoring superlatives. Security? - only there because you Need it there.

[@user-wk8vc1os1f]

There is something sinister about that building. The architecture is somewhat kitschy in my opinion. Don't understand the fascination

[@user-te9kg1pl8z]

if u can pass the test, ( money helps

[@xtc1957]

It is a beautiful building indeed, and it seems a shame that John Lennon would lose his life at the foot of such a significant and splendrous building. But that's America, isn't it?

[@kittgarrett]

The number of factual errors in this video are staggering. From the opening stating the building is on the upper west side, and showing a slide of the street sign at 72nd Street and 1st Avenue on the east side, to the incorrect names of residents, to saying the Imagine mosaic was on the roof rather than in Central Park! Doesn’t anyone fact check anything anymore???

[@theresamay9481]

long on verbiage, short on actual information

[@daynacase8528]

Agreed, narrator’s use of descriptive words became a bit much.

[@annshenton119]

All that palaver and now madonna is in there

[@LannieLord]

NO! They rejected her.

[@Susieq26754]

Creme Dela creme. You mean the scum that settles on swamp water.

[@catholiccrusader5328]

It must be nice to have money...

[@Patrick-fj4vz]

Get your facts together

[@healthyamerican]

if it were a single family home i would be impressed. im not inpressed by apartments. the tenants are getting ripped off. now lets talk about new york and central park. high taxes, liberalism, and crime...no thanks

[@bk_c7704]

Boring

[@lucasbankes-mercer7510]

If u have no interest in architecture, why look at the video in the first place? 🧐