SoHo Cast-Iron District

Walking the Cast-Iron Streets: What to Look For

SoHo's cast-iron buildings date mainly from the second half of the nineteenth century, when manufacturers discovered that prefabricated iron facades could imitate carved stone at a fraction of the cost and time. Columns, arches and ornate window surrounds were cast in foundries, bolted onto brick structures and painted to resemble limestone or marble. The large windows these frames allowed were ideal for the warehouses and showrooms of the era, and today they flood boutique interiors with natural light, which is one reason the area suits fashion so well. The neighbourhood is protected as a historic district, so much of that streetscape survives.

Details worth noticing

• Greene Street is often cited as having one of the densest concentrations of cast-iron facades anywhere, with long runs of columned fronts on both sides.
• Vault lights: look down at the sidewalks for small glass discs set into iron plates. They once let daylight into basements below.
• Belgian block paving still covers some side streets, so flat or block-heeled shoes are kinder than stilettos if you plan to walk.
• Loading docks raised above street level hint at the buildings' industrial past and now serve as entrances and display steps.

Planning a styling visit

Weekday mornings are usually calmer than weekend afternoons, when Broadway and Prince Street fill with shoppers. The district is well served by several subway lines, so leaving the car behind is generally the easier choice. If you are trying on bandage dresses, wear seamless underwear and bring the shoes you intend to pair with them, since hemline and silhouette read differently with heel height. Checking measurements beforehand with our size guide saves time, because bandage construction relies on a close, sculpted fit rather than stretch alone.

The light and texture of the streets also make them a popular backdrop for photographs. For outfit ideas that echo that mix of structure and polish, browse the lookbook, or see what is newest in new arrivals before you set out. Store hours in the area vary, so confirm with individual shops before travelling.