Modeling career, who cares? A much better deal stemming from great genes and a sparkling personality is one that gives you a Central-Park-view apartment, rent free. Consider the good fortune of "Top Model" finalist Laura Sioux Kirkpatrick, as reported by The Real Deal.
Kirkpatrick was voted a "Fan Favorite" on the "Top Model" show hosted by former model Tyra Banks on Nov. 18. Her prize? Living in a coveted pre-war building at 240 Central Park South, rent-free for six months.
A typical studio in the building costs $2,500 a month...
The landlord, James Korein, donated the apartment but required a security deposit. That tab was picked up by the Corcoran Group who suggested the idea to Korein after the "Tyra Show" approached Corcoran with the idea of donating an apartment.
Korein is currently in talks with "Top Model" about filming Kirkpatrick's move into the building.
Lately it's becoming more common for New York City apartment buildings to join forces with television shows to generate publicity. Bravo's "Top Chef New York" and MTV's "Real World" have both hosted contestants in high profile buildings. (20 Bayard condominium by McCarren Park in Williamsburg, BellTel Lofts in Downtown Brooklyn, respectively.)
Other famous residents of 240 Central Park South include actress Renee Zellweger and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the author of "The Little Prince." The building's close proximity to the Theatre District is desirable. But, says Korein, "This last year has been hard on younger people," he said. "We've had a bit of attrition due to the market."
Korein told The Real Deal that he views the show as a way to increase his building's exposure with younger people. The rental building, which has a mix of one- and two-bedrooms and studios, has lost some of its younger tenants as the recession hit New York.
Kirkpatrick ultimately came in second to the winner: University of Colorado sophomore Nicole Fox. Kirkpatrick has come a long way to land at a posh Manhattan address. Prior to the show she was a Kentucky farm girl, earning money castrating bulls.
via The Real Deal
