Although the scenes inside of Dorothy’s (Isabella Rossellini) apartment were all shot on a set at the EUE/Screen Gems Studios, scenes were filmed of the exterior for establishing shots and the scene when “Frank in the well dressed man disguise” (Dennis Hopper) is climbing the stairs accessible from 5th Ave.

This is an active apartment building called Carolina Apartments, so you could live here! I’ve had several friends who lived there and it was always on my mind when I walked in to the building that “This Is It”, the building imbued with cinematic history. It’s almost like our own Bradbury Building that was famously used in Blade Runner.

You can no longer just walk in to the building or even into the lobby, as they have added keypad entry on the front door. They also sealed off the side staircase with a wooden wall. I think that wooden wall detracts from the mystique of the structure, it’s sad that it’s even there, although it is where tenants dump their trash.

Also Filmed Here:
Sleepy Hollow
We’re the Millers

Where Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) sang Blue Velvet while Frank (Dennis Hopper) looked on lost in a state of chaotic intensity.

This is now Winnie’s Tavern, which apparently now serves Impossible burgers among their regular fare.

With a scared Jeffrey (Kyle MacLachlan) in tow, Frank’s (Dennis Hopper) gang arrived outside of Ben’s (Dean Stockwell) and wandered through the bar and up above to Ben’s apartment.

A deleted scene was found and released in which you can see Frank lead the gang through the bar, and Frank pushes someone who owes him drug money on to the pool table.

This location, Barbary Coast, used to be a seedy bar a few decades ago, but times have changed and it is a welcome environment for most. It’s a suggested stop for tourists, as it has been used by a few different productions. The “This Is It” neon sign seen in the movie still glows to this day, although it might not be the original.

Dennis also appeared as King Kuppa in Super Mario Bros., and his carbonite encased skeleton can be seen by visitors hanging on the wall upon entering the bar.

Dennis had a long history with Wilmington, not only in film. He used to have a home in Wilmington, as well as owned his own bar called the Starlight Lounge, which is now Sputnik.

Also Filmed Here:
Sleepy Hollow