The SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District: A 1973 Designation That Helped Shape NYC’s Cultural Legacy
The year 1973 marks a significant chapter in New York City’s architectural and cultural history. On August 14th of that year, the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District was officially designated as a historic district by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). The district was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978, and its borders were extended in 2010 to include most of West Broadway and to extend east to Lafayette and Centre Streets. The designation was not only a recognition of the area’s unique architectural heritage, but also a pivotal move that preserved one of the city’s most distinctive neighborhoods.
The intricate facades of SoHo, once considered merely functional, have since become symbols of urban elegance, embodying a unique blend of industrial strength and artistic beauty. Among those who have masterfully captured this architectural splendor is photographer Edward LaGrassa. LaGrassa was an architecture student in 1969 when he took a series of photos of cast iron buildings and structures, largely in SoHo and Tribeca, as well as in Harlem and Upper Manhattan, for a school project. His collection of photographs of buildings in the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District is one of the many not-to-be-missed highlights of our Historic Image Archive.
The mid-19th century saw a revolution in building materials and techniques, with cast iron becoming a favored medium for architects and builders. It was strong, relatively inexpensive, fireproof, and allowed for a level of decorative detail that was too expensive to create in granite or stone. Soho, then an industrial hub, became a canvas for this new architectural medium, and the neighborhood’s streets soon filled with buildings adorned in cast iron, their facades intricately designed with floral motifs, Corinthian columns, and arched windows. Today, these structures stand as a testament to the ingenuity of that era, with Soho boasting the largest concentration of full and partial cast-iron buildings in the world.
SoHo’s cast-iron buildings feature grand arches, elaborate columns, and decorative cornices, creating a striking streetscape that is both elegant and industrial. Some of the most iconic buildings in the district include the Haughwout Building on Broadway, which features the world’s first successful passenger elevator.
By the 1960s, SoHo began to attract a new wave of residents: artists. These large, light-filled spaces were ideal for studios, and the affordable rent made the area accessible to creative minds. Over time, SoHo transformed into a vibrant artist community, and its distinct architectural charm began to garner attention.
But SoHo faced the threat of demolition due to proposed urban renewal projects. These plans aimed to replace the old industrial buildings with modern high-rises and other developments. Threat of the destruction of these remarkable buildings sparked a grassroots preservation movement led by local artists and residents who recognized the importance of the neighborhood’s architectural heritage.
At the same time, the entire landscape of SoHo was threatened by plans to build the Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMEX). LOMEX was a Robert Moses proposed ten-lane elevated highway that would connect the Hudson to the East River, but would require the demolition of much of SoHo and Little Italy.
Efforts led by Jane Jacobs stopped the LoMEX plan from ever being approved, and fellow preservationist Margot Gayle, artists, residents, and many others helped secure the designation of the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District on August 14, 1973, as well as new zoning which allowed artists to occupy buildings that previously could only be used for manufacturing. This designation protected approximately 26 blocks, covering nearly 500 buildings, from demolition or unsympathetic alterations. It was a landmark victory for the burgeoning preservation movement in New York City, and set a precedent for future historic district designations.
The 1973 designation of the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District had far-reaching implications. It not only preserved a unique architectural heritage but also safeguarded the neighborhood’s identity as an artistic and cultural hub. The area became a model for successful urban preservation, balancing the need for development with the protection of historical assets.
Today, SoHo is a thriving neighborhood world-renowned for its art galleries and vibrant street life. While the district has evolved, the character of its cast-iron buildings remains intact, serving as a reminder of the area’s rich history and the importance of preserving New York City’s architectural legacy. The SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District is not just a collection of buildings — it is a living, breathing example of New York City’s ever-changing yet deeply rooted cultural landscape.