SoHo Cast Iron Historic District

[In-person tour] Cast-iron architecture began as a mid-19th-century cheap imitation of stone, in which the glories of the world’s past could be offered in modern times in mass-produced, ready-to-build versions. But cast-iron soon developed into a remarkable technology expressive of the industrial revolution, capable of entirely new architectural effects. SoHo today includes the world’s largest collection of such buildings. Threatened by a proposed Lower Manhattan Expressway, SoHo was rescued from near obliteration in 1973 by designation as one of the city’s earliest historic districts. This tour with Anthony W. Robins, former Landmarks Preservation Commission Survey Director, considers the district’s original architecture as well as new Commission-approved additions. Mr. Robins is also the author of the award-winning book “New York Art Deco: A Guide to Gotham’s Jazz Age Architecture” (SUNY Press 2017.)

In-person tours are limited to 25 attendees, last approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours, and are held outdoors. Walking tours bring individuals into close proximity with each other, we therefore recommend that all tour goers wear masks during the tours, regardless of vaccination status. Your tour guide and your fellow tour participants will thank you for your cooperation. Should the tours happen to venture indoors, many places require masks and/or proof of vaccination, so please be prepared to have both with you.

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