West Village, NYC

Best known as the fictional home of Carrie Bradshaw in HBO’s Sex and the City, 66 Perry Street attracts thousands of visitors each year. While iconic, this attention became a challenge for the property’s longtime owner: tourists regularly crowded the stoop, climbed the steps for photos, and, at times, caused damage.

The Challenge

The owner sought a way to regain privacy and security without compromising the historic character of the townhouse. A simple chain and signage had proven ineffective, so she turned to our team for a design solution that would both protect the property and honor its architectural legacy.

The Design

We proposed a custom cast-iron Gate that harmonizes with the existing 1981 railing and fence—elements originally restored by the owner herself. The new gate respects the proportions and detailing of the historic entry while introducing subtle strength and presence.

The Approval Process

Because the building sits within the Greenwich Village Historic District, an application was submitted to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. After review, the design was submitted to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. After review, the design was approved with modification, acknowledging both the necessity of enhanced security and the historical fact that stoop gates were not part of the original 19th-century intent. Support from Village Preservation and the Victorian Society of New York further strengthened the case.

Result

The new Gate reclaims privacy for residents while preserving the West Village streetscape—an elegant, lasting solution at one of New York’s most photographed addresses.

Collaboration and Gratitude

Special thanks to KDP Design, whose ‘Arched Gate’ concept guided the final submission. Her partnership was integral to balancing security needs with a timeless design aesthetic.

Acknowledgments

I want to show my appreciation to Karen Dorothee Peters of KDP Design for her help in the design of the Gate and ‘Arched Gate’ concept shown in the preview image and original submission to Landmarks and Preservation Committee.

Also, I would like to show my appreciation to Francis Hand at Handco Welding for technical advice on and building of the Gate.