Ono's Dakota Legacy: Longest Homeowner in History?

Yoko Ono is set to achieve a significant milestone, potentially becoming the longest-tenured homeowner at the historic Dakota Apartments. This distinction awaits the finalization of a sale for an apartment located at the top of the building, formerly owned by arts patron Steven Rubin. Rubin's estate is expecting to receive around $8 million for the property. Rubin had originally purchased the residence in the late 1960s, predating Lennon and Ono's arrival.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono acquired their own apartment in the renowned building in 1973. At that time, the purchase price was estimated to be between $150,000 and $200,000, a substantial sum that would equate to $1.1 to $1.5 million in today's economy. The couple later acquired additional units for various purposes, including guest space and offices.

While Ono no longer spends the majority of her time at the Dakota, preferring her farm, she has no immediate plans to sell her residence. This suggests she will continue to hold the record for the longest homeowner tenure at The Dakota for the foreseeable future. The building itself, a 1884 structure, is not open for interior tours but is a notable landmark near Central Park's Strawberry Fields memorial.