The fan phenomenon can be quite irritating, especially for those anonymous individuals who silently suffer the consequences of the performers' fame. While Sarah Jessica Parker (59) became a millionaire earning $200 million from "Sex and the City" series, the owner of the protagonist's apartment endured a torment.
The townhouse where the famous Carrie Bradshaw stair scene was filmed is located in New York's West Village at 66 Perry Street. Due to its worldwide success, a pilgrimage to this address began, ultimately affecting the owner, Barbara Lorber, who has lived there since 1978. The owner has obtained a permit from the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to install a steel and cast iron door at the bottom of the building's stairs with the intention of keeping curious onlookers at bay. "My house is a worldwide tourist destination," she stated.
Any changes to be made to the facades of buildings constructed in the 19th century must have official permission. For now, Barbara has been granted permission to install a door (the material and installation method are unknown), but for now, she has to make do with a chain hanging a sign indicating private property. It is true that trespassing is prohibited because, if done, fans would face a hefty fine, yet the horde of tourists persists. And they sit down.
Some neighbors have claimed that even in the frigid winters, around fifty people descend the stairs, so it can be imagined that this number quadruples in spring and summer.
Most bothersome for Barbara is the tourists' rudeness, as despite knowing it is private property and people live there, they don't mind taking flash photos, filming videos, sitting on the steps talking loudly, and even the boldest have peered through the windows. Lorber understands the fascination, but with moderation. All the woman wants is to have a good quality of life.
The Daily Mail reveals an incident that greatly benefited Sarah Jessica Parker. Despite being private property, the property owners were upset when the actress decided to sit on the steps to promote her Nordstrom shoe line in 2014. At the time, the New York Post reported that the star ignored requests for explanations that could have supported the photo shoot.