Livvy Dunne’s Housing Hiccup
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne’s attempt to purchase the former New York City home of baseball legend Babe Ruth took an unexpected turn when she shared this news on Instagram.
A cooperative board in her prospective Upper West Side building blocked the $1.59 million all-cash deal just days before she was supposed to get the keys to the property.
Dunne, who seemed baffled by the rejection, suggested there was “no idea” why her offer was declined. However, a resident from the West 88th Avenue building mentioned that her social media presence likely influenced the board’s decision.
“She’s out of luck,” the neighbor commented, adding, “The board got upset because it was posted on Instagram.”
Indeed, Dunne had shared a video back in May, showing herself enjoying a beach day with a bikini caption for her 5.4 million Instagram followers.
This oversharing, coupled with the cooperative committee’s stance, means that Ruth’s historic residence (a prewar apartment featuring three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms) will now return to the market.
Babe Ruth lived in this apartment from 1920 to 1940 with his second wife and daughter. The building is also adorned with plaques celebrating Yankees legends.
After the apartment hit the market in March, Dunne, who recently made a noteworthy $9.5 million via the NCAA’s “Name, Image, Likeness” rule, had reportedly visited the cooperative with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
Some residents were surprised by Dunne’s appearance. One remarked, “Honestly, when I first saw her from behind, I thought she was just a kid.”
Despite the challenges, Dunne and Skenes had plans to hire an interior designer to furnish the apartment, determined not to bring in college-style decor.
However, as she learned through a TikTok update, the board’s rejection came without a clear reason—financial motive seemed off the table.
“Maybe they’re fans of another team or just didn’t want someone like me living there,” Dunne speculated. “I was ready to pick up the keys, and then they said no.”
The seller’s agent expressed disappointment, stating that the board’s decision was abrupt and final.
“The managing agent told me later that there was no reconsideration,” the seller’s agent said. “Now we’ll just have to put the property back on the market.”
What’s clear is that the board isn’t required to disclose their reasoning for such decisions. A local resident reflected, “This is New York City; this is how cooperatives work. It’s not like condos where rules might be more flexible.”
One neighbor, who hadn’t realized Dunne was a social media figure, expressed their confusion at the situation. “I just wish her the best,” they noted. “Who knows what led to their decision?”
Dunne summarized her experience with a word of caution to her massive TikTok following: “Short story: Don’t try living in a cooperative. You might get denied and miss out on a Babe Ruth apartment.”
