New Tenants Move into Infamous Upper West Side Apartment
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A notorious crime scene in New York City continues to attract renters despite its dark past.
Apartment with a Tragic History
the three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment located at 321 Columbus Ave. has recently been leased again. This is the same unit where siblings Lucia and Leo Krim were tragically murdered by their nanny in 2012. The latest tenant signed a lease on February 13 for $8,750 per month, a notable drop from the $12,000 it commanded back in 2008, as reported by StreetEasy.
Initially re-listed in April 2015, just two and a half years after the horrific events, the apartment was available for $9,000 per month. Now,over a decade later,the price has further decreased.
Details of the Lease and Renovations
Last October, the apartment was re-listed at its current rate before securing a new occupant last week.The unit has undergone significant renovations, boasting 10-foot ceilings, restored hardwood floors, and a modern kitchen equipped with high-end stainless steel appliances. It is situated in the historic La Rochelle, a pre-war building in one of Manhattan’s most desirable neighborhoods.
The Crime That Shocked a City
The brutal murders of Lucia and Leo Krim horrified New Yorkers, particularly parents who rely on nannies for childcare. on October 25, 2012, their mother, Marina Krim, returned home with her middle child, Nessie, only to discover the unimaginable scene in the family’s bathroom.
“Chilling footage captured Marina wailing in agony as she was rushed from the scene,”
New York Post
The children’s nanny, Yoselyn Ortega, had attacked them with kitchen knives before attempting to take her own life. Ortega survived and was later found guilty of first- and second-degree murder in 2018, receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Life After Tragedy
In the aftermath of the tragedy,the Krim family welcomed two more children,Felix and Linus,born in 2013 and 2016,respectively. The Corcoran Group, which managed the listing, declined to comment on the recent lease.
La Rochelle, the building housing the infamous apartment, is a 76-unit structure located just two blocks south of the Museum of Natural History. Currently, there is only one other unit available for rent in the building, a two-bedroom asking $8,250 per month.
Haunted Real Estate: Expert Insights into the Upper West Side Apartment with a Dark History
Time.news recently reported on the infamous upper West Side apartment where the tragic Krim family murders occurred in 2012 finding new tenants. The story raises many questions about the real estate market, the psychological impact of living in a home with a dark past, and how such properties are handled. To delve deeper, we spoke with real estate analyst, Sarah Chen, for her expert perspective.
Time.news: Sarah, thanks for joining us. The article details how an apartment on Columbus Avenue, the site of a horrific crime, has been re-leased.What are your initial thoughts on this situation?
sarah chen: ItS a complex situation, certainly. On one hand, New York City real estate is incredibly competitive. An apartment, especially in a desirable location like the Upper West Side, will eventually find a tenant. On the other hand, the emotional weight associated with the property is undeniable. This particular crime shocked the city.
Time.news: The article mentions the rent has decreased significantly since 2008. It was listed at $12,000 in 2008 and is going for $8,750 now despite renovations.How typical is this for properties with a dark history?
Sarah Chen: A price drop is almost unavoidable. Properties associated with violent crimes often experience a stigma effect, leading to a decrease in market value. The extent of the decrease depends on several factors: the severity of the crime,the media coverage,and the overall demand for housing in that specific location. In this case, the notoriety of the Krim case and the initial publicity are undoubtedly contributing to the lower rent. While renovations can improve the space,they don’t erase the past.
Time.news: The apartment was relisted just two and a half years after the murders,initially for $9,000. Is there an optimal time for relisting a property with such a history?
Sarah Chen: There’s no magic number, but generally, the longer the period between the event and the re-listing, the better. Time can help to diminish the immediate emotional impact. However, the property’s history remains searchable online, affecting potential buyers, renters, and the sale price.
Time.news: What are the legal and ethical considerations for real estate agents and landlords in thes situations? Do they have to disclose the property’s history?
Sarah Chen: Disclosure laws vary by state. In new York, there is no explicit legal requirement to disclose a death that occurred on a property, unless specifically asked.Though, ethically, responsible real estate professionals frequently enough choose to be clear. Failure to disclose can lead to future legal issues if the tenant later discovers the history and feels deceived. It’s a delicate balance between adhering to legal obligations and acting with integrity. potential tenants can research the history of the apartment and buildings with available public records.
Time.news: what kind of buyer or renter is typically attracted to properties with this kind of history?
Sarah Chen: It varies widely. some individuals may be unaffected by the history or may even be drawn to the perceived “captivating” nature of the property. Others might see it as an opportunity to secure a desirable location at a reduced price. Some believe in energies and that renovations can change the apartment’s energies. It’s also possible the new tenants were simply unaware of the previous tragedy.
Time.news: The article mentions the building, La Rochelle, is a pre-war building in a desirable location. How does the overall appeal of a building or neighborhood factor into these situations?
Sarah Chen: Location is paramount in real estate. A well-maintained building in a sought-after neighborhood like the upper West Side will always have inherent value. The desirability of the location can somewhat offset the negative impact of the property’s history. However, as demonstrated by the rent decrease, it doesn’t completely erase it. The details of the lease are critically important.
Time.news: What advice would you give to someone considering renting or buying a property with a known tragic past?
Sarah Chen: First, do your research. Understand the history of the property and the surrounding area. Second, consider your emotional well-being. Can you truly live comfortably in a place with such a past? Third, assess the financial implications. Is the price reduction significant enough to outweigh any potential emotional distress? And if you proceed, be prepared to discuss the history with future guests or potential buyers if you decide to sell. In some cases, mental health professionals may provide guidance.
Time.news: Any final thoughts you would like to share?
Sarah Chen: These situations are sensitive and require careful consideration from all parties involved. While real estate is ultimately a business transaction,it’s important to remember the human element and approach these properties with respect and empathy. Understanding the story of such a tragic crime will impact one’s daily life.
Time.news: Sarah Chen, thank you for your valuable insights.