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Haughwout Building

A cast-iron architectural masterpiece in SoHo, this 1857 landmark is world-famous for housing the first successful commercial passenger elevator designed by Elisha Graves Otis.

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What is the Haughwout Building known for?

The Haughwout Building is famous for installing the world's first successful commercial passenger elevator on March 23, 1857, which was designed by Elisha Graves Otis. It is also considered one of New York City's finest examples of cast-iron architecture, featuring two cast-iron facades and a design modeled after a 16th-century Venetian library.

Where is it located?

It is a five-story commercial loft building located in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan at 488-492 Broadway, at the corner of Broome Street.

What was the building originally used for?

The building originally housed Eder V. Haughwout's fashionable luxury emporium, which sold imported cut glass, silverware, handpainted china, clocks, and fine chandeliers.

Did any famous people visit the store?

Yes, the store attracted high-profile clients including Mary Todd Lincoln, who purchased china for the White House there, as well as the Czar of Russia and the Imam of Muscat.

When was it built and who designed it?

The building was built in 1857 and was designed by John P. Gaynor, with iron components provided by James Bogardus.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Standing at the corner of Broome Street and Broadway, the Haughwout Building is a five-story commercial loft rising 79 feet. Completed in 1857, the structure was designed by architect John P. Gaynor, with iron components provided by James Bogardus. It is celebrated as one of the finest examples of cast-iron architecture in New York City, uniquely featuring two cast-iron facades and a design modeled after a 16th-century Venetian library. The building was commissioned by Walter Langdon Jr., the grandson of John Jacob Astor, on land purchased in 1802. It originally served as the fashionable emporium for Eder V. Haughwout, selling luxury goods such as imported cut glass, silverware, handpainted china, and fine chandeliers. This high-end store attracted an elite global clientele, including the Czar of Russia, the Imam of Muscat, and Mary Todd Lincoln, who purchased official china for the White House here. Beyond its luxury retail roots, the site marks a pivotal moment in urban engineering. On March 23, 1857, the building installed the world's first successful passenger elevator, a hydraulic lift designed by Elisha Graves Otis. This breakthrough in safety and accessibility helped make the development of skyscrapers practical by allowing people to reach higher floors easily. Recognized for its aesthetic and historical value, the building was designated a New York City landmark in 1965. It was further honored on August 28, 1973, when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the preservation of its unique mid-19th-century character.

Visitor tips

  • Look closely at the exterior to appreciate the intricate cast-iron details modeled after Venetian architecture.
  • Visit during the day to see how the light hits the historic facades at the corner of Broadway and Broome Street.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes, as this stop is part of the dense, pedestrian-friendly SoHo commercial district.

Nearby context

The Haughwout Building is located in the heart of SoHo, a neighborhood famous for its 19th-century commercial loft buildings. Situated at the intersection of Broadway and Broome Street, it represents the area's history as a fashionable commercial district on lower Broadway.

Sources

Evidence and links