The Friends Building: NYC's TV Icon at 90 Bedford Street
At the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets in New York's Greenwich Village stands 90 Bedford Street, a building instantly recognizable to millions as the exterior of the apartment block from the popular sitcom Friends. While it has become a pilgrimage site for fans, the building has a rich history that extends far beyond its television fame.
Architecture and Origins
Constructed in 1899 by the architectural firm Schneider & Herter, the six-story building was originally designed as a "store and flat" building containing 22 residential units. Built for an estimated $26,000, it was intended to attract middle-class residents. The structure showcases a Renaissance Revival architectural style, incorporating Romanesque Revival elements. Its distinctive features include a pale brick facade, elegant arched windows, and detailed terracotta ornamentation, making it a fine example of the West Village's characteristic turn-of-the-century architecture.
The 'Friends' Phenomenon
From 1994 to 2004, the exterior of 90 Bedford Street served as the establishing shot for the main characters' apartments in the NBC sitcom Friends. This association transformed the building into a global pop culture landmark. It is important to note that only the building's facade was used for filming. All interior scenes, including those in Monica's iconic purple apartment, were shot on studio sets in Burbank, California.
A Surprising History
Beyond its lighthearted television persona, the building holds a more serious and lesser-known historical footnote. In 1970, two residents of 90 Bedford Street, Sharon Krebs and Joyce Plecha, were arrested for their involvement with the radical Weather Underground group. They were apprehended while allegedly planning to bomb the First National City Bank, a stark contrast to the building's wholesome public image.
90 Bedford Street Today
Today, 90 Bedford Street is a fully functioning residential building with an exclusive collection of boutique luxury residences. The apartments command high rents, a reality far different from the spacious, rent-controlled home portrayed on television. Since 2006, the ground floor has been home to The Little Owl, a popular Mediterranean restaurant. The building remains a major tourist attraction, with a constant stream of Friends fans visiting daily to photograph its famous exterior.
FAQ
Where is the real Friends apartment building located?
The building used for the exterior shots in the TV show *Friends* is located at 90 Bedford Street, on the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets in Greenwich Village, New York City.
Can you go inside the Friends building?
No, 90 Bedford Street is a private residential building and is not open to the public. The interior does not look like the apartments on the show, as all indoor scenes were filmed on a studio set in California.
What is the restaurant on the ground floor of the Friends building?
The ground floor of 90 Bedford Street is occupied by The Little Owl, a Mediterranean restaurant that has been operating there since 2006.
