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Gotham Gossipist: David Schwimmer Tears Down Historic East Village Building

By Kimberly Rae Miller

New York house-hunters know how hard it is to find a piece of real estate to call their own. Especially if the real estate your looking for  is a six-story mansion in the heart of the East Village.

No worries, there are a few really old buildings you can tear down.

According to the New York Post, David Schwimmer probably won't be asked over for any cups of coffee by his new neighbors.

The Friends star bought one of the East Village's oldest remaining buildings, 331 E. Sixth Street, back in 2010 for $4.1 million. The building, erected in 1852, was due for consideration of historical landmark status this year. The city's Landmarks Preservation Commission notified Schwimmer of this when he purchased the property.

Well, back in September 2011 Schwimmer had the building torn down to make room for his new six-story mansion, only months after receiving a reminder notification that the property would be reviewed as a historical landmark.

Neighbors weren't sure about who had owned the property until Schwimmer was required by law to file construction plans for his new building, a construction that will include an elevator and roof terrace.

Now they're angered.

Charlett Hobart, a resident of the block for the past 37 years told the Post, "All the new people are yuppie transients. If I see David Schwimmer on the street, I'll be sure to give him my two cents!"

Don't expect any housewarming presents, David.

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