Everyone knows the song about Cornelia Street. You've heard the lyrics, you've seen the fans sobbing outside the West Village door, and you probably think that's where the New York story lives. But honestly? That was just a temporary pit stop. The real power move—the massive, multi-unit real estate flex that actually defines her life in Manhattan—is happening on a cobblestone block in Tribeca. Specifically, the Taylor Swift Franklin Street era isn't a single home; it’s basically a private compound.
It’s kind of wild when you think about it. Most celebrities buy a penthouse and call it a day. Taylor? She started buying up the building. Then she bought the townhouse next door. Then she bought more units in the original building just to make sure she could get to her car without a paparazzo breathing down her neck.
The Sugar Loaf Building: Where it all started
Back in 2014, long before the Eras Tour was even a glimmer in anyone's eye, Taylor made a massive splash by buying two adjacent penthouses at 155 Franklin Street. She didn't buy them from just anyone, either. The previous owner was Peter Jackson—yes, the Lord of the Rings director.
She paid about $19.95 million for the top two floors. This wasn't some sleek, glass-and-steel modern box. This is the Sugar Loaf Building, a 19th-century warehouse with massive wooden beams, exposed brick, and that specific "old New York" industrial vibe. She eventually combined those units into one 10-bedroom, 10-bathroom duplex. Imagine having enough space for a full "Girl Squad" sleepover where everyone gets their own bathroom.
Evicting Gandalf?
There’s a legendary bit of trivia here that sounds like a fan theory but is actually true. When Taylor bought the place, Sir Ian McKellen was actually living in one of the units. He was staying there as a guest of Peter Jackson. Basically, Taylor Swift moved in and Gandalf had to find a new spot. He later joked about it in interviews, noting that he was "evicted" by the pop star.
💡 You might also like: What Really Happened With Dane Witherspoon: His Life and Passing Explained
Expanding the Fortress on Franklin Street
If you think $20 million is a lot, she was just getting started. By 2017, the Taylor Swift Franklin Street footprint expanded exponentially. She dropped another $18 million on the townhouse right next door at 153 Franklin Street.
Why? Privacy.
That townhouse came with a very specific, very necessary feature: a paparazzi-proof garage. By owning the townhouse and the penthouse next door, she reportedly looked into ways to connect them. Rumors swirled for years about her "secret" tunnels or connecting hallways. In reality, she also bought a second-floor unit in the 155 building for nearly $10 million in 2018.
If you're keeping track, she owns:
📖 Related: Why Taylor Swift People Mag Covers Actually Define Her Career Eras
- The massive duplex penthouse at 155 Franklin.
- A 3,500-square-foot unit on the second floor of 155 Franklin.
- The entire four-story townhouse at 153 Franklin.
That’s roughly $48 million to $50 million spent on a single block. It’s not a house. It’s a kingdom.
The Cornelia Street Confusion
People get these two locations mixed up constantly. Here is the deal: Taylor lived on Cornelia Street in 2016 because the Taylor Swift Franklin Street compound was undergoing massive renovations.
The renovations weren't just a fresh coat of paint. We're talking about a $535,000 overhaul of the penthouse alone. While the crews were tearing down walls and installing that famous sweeping staircase, she rented the West Village carriage house for about $39,500 a month. That’s why the song exists. Cornelia Street was the temporary romance; Franklin Street is the permanent residency.
What it’s like inside
While she's famously private, we've seen glimpses through her Instagram and various "insider" reports. The vibe is "maximalist rustic."
👉 See also: Does Emmanuel Macron Have Children? The Real Story of the French President’s Family Life
- The Kitchen: Massive, with white marble and high-end appliances, often seen in the background of her baking photos.
- The Walls: She famously kept the dusty-red/terracotta color scheme in some of the main rooms, moving away from the "all-white minimalist" trend most celebs follow.
- The Squad Headquarters: There’s a library, a pool table room, and enough guest rooms to house half the music industry.
Why Franklin Street matters for fans
For Swifties, Franklin Street is the backdrop of the 1989 and Reputation eras. It’s where the "Welcome to New York" energy actually lived. It’s the door where she’d walk out in perfectly curated outfits, carrying a cat in a bubble backpack, while a wall of cameras flashed.
But it’s also a site of real tension. Neighbors have complained over the years about the crowds. Orlando Bloom reportedly sold his apartment in the same building because the fan circus was just too much. Aziz Ansari also lived there for a bit. It’s a high-stress environment for everyone except Taylor, who has built a fortress that allows her to exist in the middle of the world's busiest city without actually being seen if she doesn't want to be.
The Future of the Tribeca Compound
In late 2025, rumors started flying that she might be looking to sell her Franklin Street holdings. Some local real estate blogs claimed a $48 million off-market deal was in the works, though nothing has been officially recorded in city finance documents yet.
Whether she stays or moves on to the next "era" of her real estate portfolio, the Taylor Swift Franklin Street collection remains the gold standard for how a mega-celebrity navigates NYC. She didn't just buy a home; she bought the block.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
- Don't bother looking for a tour: Both 153 and 155 Franklin are private residences with intense security. You won't get past the lobby.
- Check the architecture: If you're in Tribeca, look for the "Sugar Loaf" sign on the brickwork. It's a gorgeous example of 1880s warehouse architecture.
- Know the difference: If you're looking for the "song" house, go to Cornelia Street. If you're looking for the "fortress," you're looking for Franklin.
- Watch the records: If you're a real estate nerd, keep an eye on the ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System) for NYC. Any actual sale of these units will eventually show up there under "Euro Tribeca LLC."
Moving forward, keep an eye on how her security handled the 153 townhouse entrance; it’s widely considered the gold standard for celebrity privacy in Manhattan.