1. The Gas Lanterns at the Entrance of The Dakota are Not Original, Nor is the Sentry Box

Originally, The Dakota entrance featured two, free standing cast-iron lanterns atop a pedestal. These impressive structures began with multi-armed lanterns, then had central globes. At some point, the lanterns were moved next to the curb of the road instead of just in front of the facade, and then removed completely (likely when 72nd Street was widened). The gas lanterns you see today attached to the wall of The Dakota were installed at this time and the metal sentry booth was added.

Get the book The Dakota: A History of the World’s Best-Known Apartment Building.Next, read about 12 crazy facts about the nearby Ansonia Hotel and see more vintage photographs of The Dakota.