WEST SIDE STORY Rumored bidders Cruise and Holmes (inset)

Over at Gawker, an "inside source" is squealing that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have passed muster with The Dakota's notoriously tough board. Situated between 72nd and 73rd Streets on New York's Central Park West, the Gothic monstrosity's massive flats are matched only by the huge egos that have called them home. Judy Garland! Bono! Maury Povich! Paul Simon! Roberta Flack! John and Yoko! ... Graydon Carter!

Reports say Cruise and Co. are going to contract on a large apartment, most likely composer Leonard Bernstein's old place, currently listed with superagent Dolly Lenz (of Wall Street demi-fame) for $25,500,000. Located on the second floor overlooking the park, the sprawling pad boasts 12-foot ceilings, six fireplaces, a tremendous living room, dining room, and library, and a windowed kitchen and breakfast room facing the building's interior courtyard.

The master suite is perfectly configured for TomKitten Suri, with a separate study/nursery, large dressing room, and his-and-hers bathrooms. The Cruises would have the option of purchasing a separate one-bedroom apartment and loft studio for staff—ideal chill-out spots for Katie's Scientology minders.

Join us for a peek inside, won't you?

[Photo tour after the jump!]

The floor plan of Leonard Bernstein's former residence (Apt. 2) in The Dakota

NEXT IMAGE >>