Central Park Landmarks
The Dakota Pedicab Tour near Central Park
The Dakota is a landmark apartment building at 1 West 72nd Street on Central Park West, directly across from Strawberry Fields. Built between 1880 and 1884 in a German Renaissance-inspired style, it is one of the best-known residential buildings in New York.
Quick facts
- Where
- 1 West 72nd Street, at Central Park West on the Upper West Side
- Built
- 1880 to 1884
- Architect
- Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the Plaza Hotel
- Developer
- Edward S. Clark, a Singer Sewing Machine heir
- Style
- German Renaissance-inspired
- Status
- New York City landmark (1969), National Historic Landmark (1976)
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History
Edward S. Clark commissioned the Dakota, and the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission describes it as the city's first high-end apartment house. It was nicknamed "Clark's Folly" because of its size and its remote uptown location. The name Dakota is said to come from that remoteness, as far from the center of the city as the Dakota Territory.
The building is eight stories plus an attic, made of yellow brick with stone trim and terra-cotta ornament, arranged around an inner courtyard that was originally planned as a carriage turnaround. The Commission says massive load-bearing walls and thick concrete floors make it one of the quietest buildings in the city. It originally had 65 apartments, none alike, with its own electrical and heating plants. The building became a cooperative in 1960.
The Dakota was designated a New York City landmark on February 11, 1969, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, and named a National Historic Landmark in 1976. Notable residents have included Leonard Bernstein, Judy Garland and Rudolf Nureyev. John Lennon lived here and was killed outside the 72nd Street entrance in 1980. Strawberry Fields, the memorial garden across the street, was dedicated on October 9, 1985.
What to look for
- The two-story arched entrance and the doorman's sentry box
- The gables, dormers and ornate cornice at the roof line
- The semicircular oriel windows rising through seven stories on the south pavilions
- Strawberry Fields across the street
Visiting The Dakota
The Dakota is a cooperative apartment building, so it is viewed from the outside. Pair it with Strawberry Fields across the street, and the park is steps away.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Dakota?
Henry J. Hardenbergh, who also designed the Plaza Hotel.
Why is it called the Dakota?
It is said to be named for the remoteness of its site in the 1880s, as far from the city as the Dakota Territory.
When was the Dakota built?
From 1880 to 1884.
Can you go inside?
No. It is a cooperative apartment building for residents, so you can only view it from the outside.
Sources
Nearby landmarks
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