How to Infiltrate NYC's Billionaire Towers (For Art)

Summary

In 2016, artist Andy M. spent three months pretending to be a billionaire to gain access to New York City's ultra-luxury high-rises, a project documented in her book. Driven by curiosity about the views from buildings taller than the Empire State Building, she adopted the persona of 'Gabriella,' a billionaire seeking an apartment. To bypass credit checks and agent skepticism, Andy M. leveraged real estate agent Daniel Rosenstein's advice to use terms like 'second home' and meticulously maintained her billionaire facade, even down to her appearance and random yes/no answers about staff. These opulent towers, with penthouses costing up to $85 million, often sit 60-70% empty, serving primarily as investments for overseas and local elites, rather than residences. The project highlights the stark societal inequalities, as these inaccessible buildings cast literal shadows over public spaces and contribute to a physical manifestation of wealth disparity. The trend in these properties includes standardized finishes and a plethora of amenities like private restaurants, golf simulators, and even a yak as a closing gift, all while the average rent across the city hovers near pre-pandemic levels and the city struggles with housing shortages.