New York’s wealthy elite are building elaborate panic rooms in their glitzy mansions amid fears over soaring crime in the Big Apple. The trend of millionaires installing electrified door handles, rooms that fire pepper spray outwards, and ballistic-grade walls to save them from intruders trying to break in is being repeated across America. These photos show some of the crafty designs built into bookcases, stairs, and fireplaces in fancy neighborhoods such as Park Avenue and the West Village. Bill Rigdon is the person mega-rich Manhattanites call when they want a closet that locks from the inside with electrified door handles. Rigdon’s fittings start from $50,000. Panic room outfitters say they frequently serve celebrities, billionaires, government officials, and embassies. Comedian Joan Rivers had a safe room in her Fifth Avenue penthouse to hide herself from stalkers, and Gwyneth Paltrow has a safe room in her West Fourth Street apartment. With luxury apartments in New York selling for upwards of $1 million, spending a measly $50,000 to gain a feeling of safety is a small price to pay.
