A Legacy in Cast Iron

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Walking through SoHo, you'll notice a distinct architectural rhythm: the repeating patterns of the Cast Iron Historic District. Designated in 1973, this area consists of about 26 blocks and roughly 500 buildings, many featuring ornate cast-iron facades. In the latter half of the 19th century, this neighborhood was a booming center of commerce and entertainment.

The preservation of these buildings was a landmark victory for New York's preservation movement, protecting the Renaissance Italianate and Federal styles from demolition. It set a precedent for how the city protects its history. Now, as you stroll between Broadway and Lafayette Street, you're walking through one of the most significant collections of cast-iron architecture in the world.

Updated June 2026