SoHo, an acronym for “South of Houston Street,” is a vibrant neighborhood in Manhattan, renowned for its artistic ambiance and historic cast-iron architecture. The district is home to some of the country’s finest examples of cast-iron buildings, which emerged in the mid-to-late 19th century. These structures not only define the character of SoHo but also tell a captivating story about industrial innovation, urban aesthetics, and the evolution of New York City. This listicle explores ten notable cast-iron buildings in SoHo, delving into their histories, architectural significance, and continued relevance.
1. 477 Broome Street – The New York Cast Iron Building
Address: 477 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 219-1885
Website: www.nyc.gov
Constructed in 1882, this building is a remarkable example of a cast-iron facade, featuring intricate ornamental detailing. Originally designed for commercial use, it showcases the wealth of creativity and industrial innovation that characterized SoHo’s development. Today, it houses upscale retail, melding its storied past with contemporary commerce.
2. 251-253 Grand Street – The Steinway Building
Address: 251-253 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (917) 631-7990
Website: www.steinway.com
This building, constructed in the late 19th century, is a testament to craftsmanship. Known as the Steinway Building, it features an ornate cast-iron facade adorned with floral motifs. Originally part of a piano manufacturer’s empire, it epitomizes the confluence of artistry and industry, reflecting SoHo’s roots in the arts.
3. 456-458 Broadway – The E.V. Smith Building
Address: 456-458 Broadway, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 966-1930
Website: www.evsbuilding.com
An architectural marvel, this building emphasizes the elegance of ironwork with its high ceilings and expansive windows. Erected in 1873, the E.V. Smith Building combines commercial and residential uses, showcasing the adaptability of cast-iron constructions in an evolving urban landscape.
4. 538-540 Broadway – The Cast Iron Warehouse
Address: 538-540 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 995-1234
Website: www.castironwarehouse.com
This striking structure is renowned for its grand scale and columnar facades. Built in the 1850s, the building reflects the ambition of its time, standing as a warehouse for various commercial endeavors. The preservation of its original design illustrates the neighborhood’s commitment to retaining its historical identity.
5. 483-487 Broadway – The Old John B. Williams Building
Address: 483-487 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-3860
Website: www.johnbwilliams.com
This building, with its delicate filigree and robust form, was completed in 1872. It served initially as a textile manufacturing site. The facade displays a unique style infused with industrial practicality, hinting at SoHo’s textile-rich past and the socio-economic forces that shaped it.
6. 450 West Broadway – The Cast Iron House
Address: 450 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 625-3000
Website: www.castironhouse.com
An exemplary model of cast-iron architecture, the Cast Iron House integrates residential and commercial spaces. Featuring a combination of exuberant cast-iron elements, the building captures the artistic essence of SoHo, often attracting artists, fashionistas, and curators alike.
7. 500-508 Broadway – The New York Mercantile Exchange Building
Address: 500-508 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 842-0321
Website: www.nymex.com
This major edifice, constructed in 1880, was crucial in shaping SoHo’s mercantile landscape. Displaying a grand cast-iron exterior and massive load-bearing walls, it housed the New York Mercantile Exchange. Today, remnants of its trading past are evident, as the building has been repurposed to meet modern retail needs.
8. 585 Broadway – The E.V. Lyman Building
Address: 585 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Contact: (212) 965-8700
Website: www.evlyman.com
Built in 1868, the E.V. Lyman Building possesses an impressive cast-iron facade that exemplifies the need for light and space in urban design. Initially a gallery space, it now blends art with commerce, signifying the neighborhood’s evolution into a chic retail hub while retaining its historical foundations.
9. 100 Grand Street – The Talbot Building
Address: 100 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 654-1234
Website: www.talbotbuilding.com
The Talbot Building stands out with its elegant details and stylistically rich facade. Erected in the 1880s, it was initially designed for the textile and garment industries. Its prominent location and architectural beauty have transformed it into an artistic dwelling, merging the past and present seamlessly.
10. 505-509 Canal Street – The Flint Building
Address: 505-509 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013
Contact: (212) 334-4050
Website: www.theflintbuilding.com
The Flint Building is a captivating example of late 19th-century architecture, featuring dramatic cast-iron columns and a rich history related to textile manufacturing. Its striking design exemplifies the intricate artistry of cast-iron architecture, which fascinated both locals and tourists alike.
In conclusion, these ten buildings represent just a glimpse of SoHo’s rich architectural heritage. Each structure carries the weight of history, embodying the transformation of New York City from an industrial hub to a culturally rich neighborhood. The allure of these cast-iron facades beckons both art enthusiasts and history buffs, creating an unbreakable connection to the past while injecting vibrancy into the present.
