The Dakota
The Dakota has been a legendary residence for years. John and Yoko lived here, in addition to a zillion other famous people, including Lauren Bacall, Leonard Bernstein, Connie Chung and Maury Povich, Roberta Flack, Judy Garland, Steve Guttenberg (very important), Boris Karloff, Sean Lennon, Albert Maysles, Gilda Radner and a ton of other actor types.
In fact, in 1980, John Lennon was shot just outside by Mark David Chapman. Earlier in the day, Annie Lebowitz photographed the infamous John/Yoko Rolling Stone cover. Afterward, Lennon and Ono headed to the recording studio, stopping outside to sign a few autographs for fans, including Chapman.
When they returned home, they were dropped off across 72nd Street, instead of in the Dakota’s courtyard. Ono ran ahead, but Chapman was waiting for Lennon. He shot him 5 times in the back, then waited for the police calmly.
Who: John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and various other celebrities residence
What: The Dakota
Where: 1 West 72nd Street
Also the site where “Rosemary’s Baby” was filmed and is set, though the apartment building is given another name.
Just finished the book ‘Life at the Dakota’ by Stephen Birmingham – if you like the Dakota, you’ll love this book.