SoHo - Cast Iron Historic District

Consisting of over 500 properties spread out over 26 city blocks, the SoHo (South of Houston Street) Cast-Iron historic district is home to the largest concentration of cast-iron facades in the world. Established as a residential neighborhood in the early 1800s, by mid-century, the district was transformed into a commercial, entertainment, and industrial center. Famous stores such as Lord and Taylor, Tiffany and Co., and Arnold Constable & Co. established themselves in the area. Soon after, many hotels, theaters, music halls and even an infamous red light district began to develop here as well. With such drastic changes occurring in the area, many families began to leave the district. As they left, small manufacturing companies began to take their place, occupying the Federal and Greek Revival houses that mark the district's residential roots.

As commercial activities in the district began to expand, many of these houses were demolished and larger loft buildings and factories were created in their place. By the 1870s, numerous cast-iron clad store-and loft buildings were constructed for dry goods production and the textile industry. Many of these buildings reflect the Italianate, Queen Anne, and Second Empire styles and were designed by preeminent architects such as Robert Mook, John B. Snook, and D. & J. Jardine. The Italianate-style building at 386 -388 West Broadway, designed by Robert Mook in 1871, is a stunning example of the cast-iron fronted buildings in this district.

By the turn of the century, many prominent businesses began to leave the area, replaced by smaller, marginal industries, such as paper and textile waste, and small apparel firms. By the 1950s, SoHo had become a depressed slum. Artists who were attracted to the spacious, inexpensive lofts began to occupy these buildings, converting them into residential, studio and gallery spaces beginning in the 1960s. By the 1970s, SoHo was transformed into one of the most important centers for contemporary art in the United States. Artists such as Donald Judd, Frank Gehry and Gordon Matta-Clark had studios in the area.

Over time, however, as the area became a fashionable commercial and residential address, real estate values began to rise, driving many of the artists out of the area. Today, SoHo is one of the most expensive districts in the city and has evolved into one of New York's most popular shopping destinations and residential neighborhoods. The 2010 extension added an additional 135 properties, located east and west of the original district. ©2014