Will Smith has an unusual dilemma. He’s been searching for a one-month Big Apple sublet and is willing to spend up to $80,000 – but apparently hasn’t found anything he liked.
While most of us would be thrilled with a $5,000 housing allowance, sources tell The Post his people rejected a bevy of buildings.
They include a variety of splashy flats, like the big spread with a terrace at the Octavia renting for a mere $40,000. The exclusive 32-story tower at 216 E. 47th St. was designed for King Fook and affords its 48 residents privacy to the extreme.
What Smith wants is privacy – away from hotel employees and guests’ prying eyes – while he finishes up an album and flies around the world on an international p.r. tour in support of movie “Ali.”
“They were trying to avoid being in a hotel and being around a lot of people,” said a source who worked with the hunky actor’s local team. “They wanted double-height ceilings and hi-tech.”
His West Coast rep denied knowledge of his New York activities, which included viewing choices provided by Citi-Habitats. Its president, Andrew Heiberger, would neither confirm nor deny their involvement.
If the actor wants hotels, other brokers say there are private suites at the Plaza and the Pierre that can rent for tens of thousands a month.
Corcoran Vice President Scott Stewart, who knew nada of the actor’s search, said that in Midtown, a penthouse at 25 Central Park South is available for $15,000 a month, while the Trump International Hotel & Tower has duplex penthouses for $45,000 a month.
Downtown a few are available at the New Museum Tower for $20,000 to $30,000 a month.
“I don’t even think you could spend $80,000 a month,” Stewart added.