Why So Many New York Buildings Don’t Have a 13th Floor

Why So Many New York Buildings Don’t Have a 13th Floor

It’s not unusual to be wary of the number 13. For centuries, it’s been tied to superstition and bad luck — and in New York City, that unease has literally shaped the skyline.

If you’ve ever stepped into an elevator and noticed that the floor numbers jump from 12 to 14, you’re not imagining things. The mysterious disappearance of the 13th floor is one of NYC real estate’s most persistent quirks — and it’s surprisingly widespread.

The Missing Floor Phenomenon

A 2020 StreetEasy study found that out of 629 residential buildings in New York City, more than 90% skip the 13th floor altogether, often renaming it 12A instead.

Even Otis Elevator, one of the largest elevator manufacturers, says that about 85% of its New York installations leave out the number entirely, sometimes turning the “missing” floor into hidden storage space.

Developers and hotel owners don’t seem to mind the omission either — it’s actually good for business. A 2007 Gallup poll revealed that (ironically) 13% of Americans said they’d feel uneasy staying on a 13th floor.

TV host Andy Cohen once told the New York Post about his West Village duplex, which jumped straight from 12 to 14.

“I lived on 12 and 14, and it was weird enough for me to get my head around it,” he said.
“But imagine trying to explain it to my kids when they learn to count! That being said, it’s undeniable that 14 sounds better than 13.”

So, Why Is Floor 13 Missing?

Architectural historian and attorney Andrew Alpern explained the logic perfectly:

“There are a lot of people who, for whatever reason, believe 13 is unlucky. From the builder’s point of view, he just wants to rent or sell space — and if skipping 13 helps, out it goes.”

According to Alpern, once a few landlords realized tenants avoided the 13th floor, others quickly followed suit. Over time, it simply became a New York tradition — much like green awnings or potted evergreens by the front door.

The Superstition Behind It

The aversion to the number 13, known as triskaidekaphobia, doesn’t have one clear origin. Some trace it back to the Bible, where Judas — the apostle who betrayed Jesus — was said to be the 13th guest at the Last Supper.

Others suggest it’s because there are 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs, and 12 hours on a clock — meaning 13 represents the unknown and the unfamiliar.

As real estate site Undivided puts it:

“The fear of the number 13 is very real. That’s why many buildings omit it — and why some homebuyers even avoid addresses or unit numbers with 13.”

The Exception to the Rule

Despite the superstition, some of New York’s most iconic landmarks proudly include their 13th floors — such as the Flatiron Building and the Empire State Building.

So next time you’re in an elevator and notice that “13” is missing, remember — it’s not just a number. It’s a reflection of centuries of superstition, psychology, and a bit of New York real estate tradition.

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