Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York

Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York: The Dakota Apartments, often called The Dakota, is a striking apartment building in New York City. 

It’s located at the northwest corner of 72nd Street in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. 

Built for New York’s wealthy elite, the Dakota has been home to many famous people. But did you know it’s also haunted?

History of The Dakota

When Edward Cabot Clark, head of the Singer Manufacturing Company, decided to build The Dakota, the Upper West Side was mostly undeveloped. 

Clark hired architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, who also designed the Plaza Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria. 

The building was named The Dakota because of the area’s remoteness, similar to the sparsely populated Dakota region. 

The name comes from the Dakota Indians, a branch of the Sioux tribe.

Construction began in October 1880 and finished in October 1884. 

Sadly, Edward Cabot Clark died before the building was completed. 

All apartments were rented before construction was finished, but the project drained the Clark family’s fortune. 

No expense was spared, as The Dakota was built to be perfect.

Also Read: Mystery of The Villisca Axe Murder House

Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York
Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York

About The Dakota

Hardenbergh’s design doesn’t follow one specific style but is often referred to as German Renaissance with some French elements. 

The building is square with a large central courtyard. Its grand arched entrance was big enough for horse-drawn carriages. 

The exterior features pointed roofs and decorated gables.

Originally, there were 16 apartments, each unique in size and layout, ranging from 4 to 20 rooms. Ceilings reached up to 14 feet (4.3 meters). 

The floors were made of mahogany, oak, and cherry wood. The 10th floor originally had a gymnasium and playroom, but these were later converted into apartments.

The building also had a central dining room for large gatherings, with food delivered to apartments via dumbwaiters. 

Residents could access their apartments using either a staircase or an elevator. The Dakota also featured a private garden, a tennis court, and a croquet field.

Also Read: The Story of the Lizzie Borden House

Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York
Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York

Famous Residents

The Dakota has always attracted creative and famous people. Getting an apartment here isn’t easy, as the board carefully reviews all applications. 

Some well-known individuals, like Billy Joel, Antonio Banderas, and Melanie Griffith, were denied. 

However, notable residents have included Boris Karloff, Judy Garland, John Madden, Harlan Coben, and John Lennon with Yoko Ono and their son Sean.

John Lennon’s Murder

On December 8, 1980, Mark David Chapman shot and killed John Lennon at the entrance of The Dakota. 

Chapman, a mentally unstable music fan, shot Lennon four times in the back and shoulder. Lennon died on the stairs outside the building.

Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York
Mystery of The Dakota Building, New York

Ghosts of The Dakota

Where people live, they also die—and The Dakota is no exception. Many ghost sightings have been reported over the years.

  • Judy Holliday’s Ghost: After the actress died, workers renovating her apartment felt like they were being closely watched. Perhaps Judy wanted to ensure they did the job right.
  • John Lennon’s Ghost: While alive, John Lennon reported seeing a ghost he called the “crying lady ghost.” After his death, Lennon himself was seen at the building’s entrance by a man and woman, who described him as glowing. Yoko Ono also claimed to see Lennon sitting at their piano, telling her, “Don’t be afraid, I am still with you.”
  • The Little Girl’s Ghost: A little girl in period clothing is a frequent visitor. She has blonde hair and sometimes bounces a red ball. She’s often seen smiling and waving at people. On one occasion, she told a resident it was her birthday.
  • The Creepy Ghost: A ghost with an adult body and a child’s head has been seen by workers and residents. He doesn’t speak but simply watches before disappearing.
  • The Basement Poltergeist: A poltergeist haunts the basement, moving objects, including heavy furniture. Some believe this spirit is Edward Cabot Clark, as he is described as wearing a wig, glasses, and having a long nose and beard. Since Clark never lived in The Dakota, he may haunt it because it was his dream.

Also Read: The Haunting Story of Huntingdon College: Ghosts and Mystery

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