Man pays $1850 to live in the ‘strangest apartment’ in NYC – a former laundromat

Living in a unique small apartment can be an exceptional adventure, especially when a former laundromat transforms into a unique dwelling.

This unique space holds a interesting mix of history, creativity, and resourcefulness, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Sampson Dahl stumbled upon this unusual home on an online forum while searching for an small apartment in the bustling heart of New York City.

Despite initial reservations from his girlfriend, who found it “disgusting,” Sampson took the plunge. He moved into the former laundromat in Maspeth, Queens, back in 2019.

The monthly rent was $1,850, which has since increased to $1,900 as of this writing.

Over time, Sampson, a production designer in the television and film industry, transformed the once mundane laundromat into a haven for creativity.

With a job that grants him access to an array of interesting decor and furniture, his small apartment reflected his artistic spirit.

The laundromat, which ceased operations in 2005, features a small kitchen added by a former tenant.

Sampson’s desire to experience living in commercial spaces, evident from his previous abode in a warehouse in Chicago, led him to appreciate the “freedom” such unconventional settings provide.

During the Writers Guild of America strike, Sampson faced a professional pause, prompting him to explore alternative ways to sustain himself.

This challenge sparked a creative lightbulb moment – he began utilizing his unique laundromat as a venue for shows, events, and intimate gatherings.

While not hugely profitable, the door charge earnings were sufficient to cover rent and allow him to continue living independently.

After five years, Sampson contemplates a change, expressing interest in living across the street. However, his connection to the former laundromat remains strong.

He envisions the possibility of renovating it into an event space, preserving its distinctive charm for the community.

The 800-square-foot storefront, with a history as a deli in the 1940s, a bar in the 1970s, and a laundromat in the 80s, encompasses a central living space with a homemade bunk bed, a small bathroom, and a narrow kitchen.

Its disheveled appearance is adorned with various items Sampson collected over the years, ranging from leftovers of production design work to treasures discovered on the streets.

An organ acquired for free in Connecticut adds a unique touch to the eclectic mix.

Dahl loves being in the old laundromat because it feels like a community.

He set up a community fridge on the street so people could share spare food with those who needed it, said the Daily Mail.

Community fridges are now all over the city, with 124 in the five boroughs, according to NYC Community Fridges.

Even though Dahl had a tough experience getting mugged in the neighborhood, he feels protected by his neighbors. He said he couldn’t open his door or have things outside without his neighbors looking out for him.

Dahl has friendly neighbors who remind him to lock his door. He appreciates living in a neighborhood where people know and help each other.

He sees the laundromat as a space for creativity, interaction, and recording. Although he lives there now because it’s affordable, he plans to turn it into a studio for artists to paint or record music.

Dahl asked fellow artists on Instagram if they wanted to share the space and turn the laundromat into more of a studio than a living space.

Despite his plans to move out, Dahl is grateful for his time there and the resourcefulness it taught him. He believes making the best of what comes his way is an essential skill learned from life.

Converting a former laundromat into a small apartment is about the physical space and embracing a mindset of adaptability and innovation.

It encourages a minimalist lifestyle, forcing residents to prioritize and appreciate the essentials while letting go of unnecessary clutter.

The unique ambiance of the space fosters a sense of creativity and individuality, making it a haven for those who appreciate the unconventional.

Ultimately, transforming a former laundromat into a small apartment is not just a reimagining of space but a celebration of history and an embodiment of the idea that any place can become a home with a bit of imagination and ingenuity.

Look inside Sampson’s small apartment by watching this video: