There are buildings in the Marvel Comics universe that correspond to real-life locations in New York. The Baxter Building, headquarters of the Fantastic Four, is located at 42nd Street and Madison Avenue; Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum is located further south, at 177A Bleecker Street. And Peter Parker grew up in Queens with Aunt May and Uncle Ben at 20 Ingram St, Forest Hills… and that address is real, surprising its real-life owner.
Jack Shi, a 64-year-old Queens resident, bought the four-bedroom, four-bathroom brick house three years ago without knowing about its connection to Spider-Man. It wasn’t long before he began receiving letters from children and fans around the world who were attempting to reach Peter Parker. And to be honest, the real life house looks quite different to what the comics shows.
With a great property, comes great responsibility
Rather than being frustrated by the attention, Shi has embraced the connection. In an interview with the New York Post, he explained that he understands the significance Spider-Man has for fans and has even welcomed people who want to visit the property. “I feel mild responsibility because Spider-Man, this is the American spirit,” Shi said. “If I am living here, I should do as Spider-Man. If someone wants to take a picture, I say yes.”
The situation has effectively turned an otherwise ordinary Queens home into a small piece of Marvel history. Fans can visit the neighborhood where Peter Parker is supposed to have grown up, while Shi’s willingness to accommodate them has helped maintain that connection without treating the property as a formal tourist attraction.
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The attention has reportedly increased following the July 31 release of ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day.’ Some of the letters addressed to Spider-Man contain questions about his supposed superhero activities, while others want to meet their hero, and maybe watch some TV.
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