Stuff You Should Know – Short Stuff: The Dakota

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts delve into the fascinating history and allure of The Dakota, a famous apartment building in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. From its construction in the 19th century to its association with celebrities and tragic events, The Dakota holds a unique place in New York City’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Main Takeaways

The Dakota’s Historical Significance

• The Dakota is one of the first apartment buildings in New York City, constructed when the area was considered remote and undesirable.
• It was built by Clark, who purchased the land from an industrialist and designed it in a mid-late 19th century architectural style.
• The Dakota’s success paved the way for the trend of luxury apartment houses with bigger rooms and higher ceilings.

The Dakota’s Luxurious Features

• The building boasted big apartments, lots of light, and luxurious designs, surpassing its predecessor, the Van Corlier.
• It had its own power plant that generated electricity in the 1870s, a significant innovation at the time.
• The kitchens had balconies for disposing of garbage or food, and there were even tennis and croquet courts.

Celebrity Residents and Tragic Events

• The Dakota has been a popular choice for celebrities, including Lauren McCall, Judy Garland, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono.
• John Lennon lived in The Dakota for a dozen years before his tragic death, making it the site of his assassination.

Summary

The Dakota’s Historical Significance

The Dakota holds a significant place in New York City’s history as one of the first apartment buildings in the area. Constructed during a time when the Upper West Side was considered remote and undesirable, it defied expectations and became a symbol of luxury and sophistication. The building’s design, influenced by mid-late 19th century architectural styles, showcased Clark’s vision for opulent living spaces. The success of The Dakota set the stage for the emergence of luxury apartment houses with larger rooms and higher ceilings, forever changing the landscape of New York City.

The Dakota’s Luxurious Features

What set The Dakota apart from other buildings of its time were its luxurious features. The apartments were spacious, filled with natural light, and adorned with lavish designs. The building’s own power plant, a groundbreaking innovation in the 1870s, provided electricity to its residents. Additionally, the presence of balconies in the kitchens allowed for the disposal of garbage or food. The inclusion of tennis and croquet courts further exemplified The Dakota’s commitment to providing a high standard of living for its residents.

Celebrity Residents and Tragic Events

The Dakota’s allure extended beyond its architectural grandeur. Over the years, it became a sought-after residence for numerous celebrities, including renowned figures like Lauren McCall, Judy Garland, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Tragically, The Dakota is most infamous for being the site of John Lennon’s assassination. The musician and activist lived in The Dakota for a significant portion of his life, and his untimely death in front of the building left an indelible mark on its history.

Conclusion

The Dakota stands as a testament to the enduring allure of luxury apartment living in New York City. From its humble beginnings in a remote and undesirable area, it has become an iconic symbol of opulence and prestige. Its historical significance, luxurious features, and association with celebrities and tragic events make The Dakota a must-visit landmark for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of New York City’s architectural and cultural heritage.