By Pallabi Rose, 21 October 2023
Only Murders in the Building is set against the colourful backdrop of luxury apartment The Arconia, and follows three obsessive true-crime podcast enthusiasts who live in the building.
When a murder occurs in their residence, these dedicated individuals embark on a mission to crack the case. Along with the compelling plot, the show is laced with comedic relief and frequent cameos by well-known guest stars. The architecture of The Arconia is a perpetual marvel throughout Only Murders in the Building, and injects elements of grandeur and drama to the story. Today, we look deeper into the real-world building that sets the stage for the series.
The Belnord, a 1908 pre-war residence, is located at 225 West 86th Street in New York City. All three seasons of the popular series Only Murders in The Building featured footage of the building’s majestic exterior, while their interior sequences of the Arconia were shot on a sound stage.
Remember the fan-gathering scene with the amateur investigators in the courtyard (season 1, episode 8), or the fountain where little Mabel and Tim Kono used to play? The show makes good use of the building’s magnificent courtyard — one of the city’s largest — which was designed in an Italian Renaissance style by renowned architecture firm Hiss and Weekes. The latter was also responsible for several notable Beaux Arts buildings in the city and estates on Long Island’s Gold Coast. It was designated as a city landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1966, citing its “special character, special historical and aesthetic interest, and value as part of the development, heritage, and cultural characteristics of New York City” in the designation report.
An advertisement for The Belnord apartment block in the New York Sun in 1911 proudly declared it to be “the largest in the world.” The skyscraper, which stood on a whole city block of West 86th Street between Amsterdam and Broadway, was “12 stories high.” The poster emphasised the affordability of the rentals, which start at USD 2,400 per year. It also emphasised the “delightfully peaceful atmosphere” present at The Belnord, emphasising that there was no noise or vibration, making it an appealing alternative for individuals looking for a tranquil and comfortable living environment.
The Belnord recently underwent a major remodelling and is now equipped with new condominium units and facilities. The 13-storey structure now has 211 units, half of which are rentals and the other half are condominiums priced from USD 3.6 million to more than USD 13 million. The rentals can go as high as USD 45,000 per month.
Much like the star-studded cast of the show, The Belnord is home to residents from the glitzy and glamorous world of showbiz. The landmark building, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, has housed notable figures such as actors Zero Mostel and Walter Matthau, Matt Damon, author Isaac Bashevis Singer, and the father of method acting, Lee Strasberg — who was frequently visited by actress Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Marlon Brando.
Despite these modifications, entering The Belnord’s arched entrance still feels like going back in time in New York. Residents are greeted with Roman-inspired artwork on painted ceilings in the courtyard and dual-gated driveway.
The current Belnord model went on sale in mid-2018. The condominium has seen a surge in activity since the premiere of Only Murders in the Building, with 20 apartments selling for a total of USD 160 million, including three purchases worth more than USD 10 million in the last month. At the moment, approximately 75% of the units have been sold. The building has six separate residential lobbies, each allowing three methods of admission to each residence: A private residential lift, a grand open staircase, and a private goods lift.
While The Belnord may not have a notorious history of murders like The Arconia in Only Murders in the Building, it has a past that’s not entirely without blemishes. Due to her failure to make repairs and her prohibition on renters replacing broken equipment, one of the building’s former owners, Lillian Seril, became infamous as one of New York’s worst landlords of all time. This circumstance resulted in the greatest rent strike in New York City history, which began in 1978 and lasted 16 years.
Properties currently listed in The Belnord
If watching Only Murders in the Building has left you wishing you could live in The Arconia, this could be a reality. Several condos within the actual building The Belnord are currently available for sale.
And, if you’re looking for a home that’s as luxurious as the ones depicted on the show, a standout option is now on the market for USD 10,895,000. This beautiful property has an incredible selection of features and services. A formal entry foyer will greet you as you enter, setting the tone for what lies ahead. The corner great room is flooded with natural light and smoothly links to the well-equipped kitchen, which has a Calacatta Gold marble island and countertops, as well as custom Molteni cabinets. Modern Gaggenau appliances and a 45-bottle Sub-Zero wine refrigerator make culinary attempts a pleasure.
The primary suite, located at the end of the bedroom gallery for solitude, provides a tranquil sanctuary. It has plenty of closet space as well as a spa-like primary bathroom with stunning Siberian white slab marble and radiant heated floors. Relax in the deep soaking tub, which is accompanied by custom-designed vanities with Kohler, Dornbracht, and Kallista accessories. The four more bedrooms are as stunning, as the secondary bathrooms, which include Grigio Nicola stone, radiant heated flooring, and Molteni vanities.
You can find out more here, if you’d like to purchase the condo.
“Much like the star-studded cast of the show, The Belnord is home to residents from the glitzy and glamorous world of showbiz. The landmark building, which was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, has housed notable figures such as actors Zero Mostel and Walter Matthau, Matt Damon, author Isaac Bashevis Singer, and the father of method acting, Lee Strasberg — who was frequently visited by actress Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Marlon Brando.
Despite these modifications, entering The Belnord’s arched entrance still feels like going back in time in New York. Residents are greeted with Roman-inspired artwork on painted ceilings in the courtyard and dual-gated driveway.”
