The complex of Sunset Towers stands on the shore of Lake Michigan on the Fourth of July. A 62-year-old delivery man distributes six invitations for six families to come view the new luxury apartments. The Wexlers are first to arrive. Mrs. Wexler throws “an approving glance in the mirror” (3) before taking the elevator upstairs with her husband. Her inner dialogue reveals that she sees this new apartment as a way to impress her friends and gain social influence.

Sydelle Pulaski is the next tenant to view Sunset Towers. She’s a secretary looking for a lake view, but she’s told she will have to settle for a view of the parking lot. She’s suspicious about who can see into the apartment, spotting the old Westing mansion up on the cliff. The man showing her the apartment, Barney Northrup, assures her she will have her privacy.

The tenants’ names are already listed in the lobby. However, Barney has made a critical error: He “rented one of the apartments to the wrong person” (5).

It is September first, and the tenants all move into Sunset Towers. The next night, the fancy restaurant on the top floor of the building—Shin Hoo’s Restaurant—and the coffee shop on the ground floor both open for business.