The Upper West Side's Most Murderous (and Most Magnificent) Abode: The Arconia!
Ever dreamt of living in a building steeped in history, charm, and the occasional homicide? Well, then the Arconia on the Upper West Side might be your dream (or nightmare) come true!
From Farmland to Fancy Apartments: A Brief History of the Arconia (or is it the Belnord?)
Yes, believe it or not, the Arconia from the hit show "Only Murders in the Building" is actually a real, live New York City apartment building! In fact, its real name is the Belnord, and it's a stunner. Built in 1908, it was once considered the grandest apartment house in the country, boasting fancy features that would make your jaw drop (like, you know, actual hot water!).
The Belnord has housed its fair share of famous folks over the years, from actors like Zero Mostel and Walter Matthau to literary giants like Isaac Bashevis Singer. Maybe you'd even score a friendly wave from a Hollywood legend in the elevator...or maybe you'd just bump into a quirky true-crime podcasting trio on the hunt for clues (fingers crossed!).
So You Want to Live in the Arconia (Belnord)? Here's What You Need to Know (Besides a Tolerance for Mayhem)
- Location, Location, Location: Situated at 225 West 86th Street, the Belnord offers prime Upper West Side digs. Central Park is practically your backyard, and you'll be surrounded by museums, theaters, and enough restaurants to keep your taste buds happy for a lifetime.
- Price Tag with a Punch: This slice of luxury doesn't come cheap. Apartments at the Belnord can range from a cool $3 million to a jaw-dropping $11 million. So, you better be prepared to shell out some serious dough (or maybe win the lottery).
- Killer Amenities (Hopefully Not Literally): The Belnord boasts all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a pre-war luxury building, including a doorman, a fancy courtyard, and maybe even a hidden passageway or two (perfect for sneaking around on your next podcast investigation).
Just a heads up: Living in the Belnord might mean occasionally tripping over eccentric neighbors, getting caught up in amateur detective work, or even witnessing a murder or two (hey, it's all part of the charm, right?).
FAQ: Unleashing Your Inner Upper West Side Sleuth
How to get to the Belnord? Hop on the B or C train to 86th Street and walk a few blocks west. Easy peasy!
How much does it cost to live in the Belnord? Bring your checkbook, baby! Apartments range from $3 million and up.
How can I become a resident detective? There's no official application process, but befriending a famous comedian and a mysterious artist might be a good start.
How do I avoid getting murdered? Well, that's the real mystery, isn't it? But hey, at least you'll have a killer view while you dodge danger.
How can I learn more about the Belnord? Do some good old-fashioned internet sleuthing! Or, you know, you could just watch "Only Murders in the Building."