SoHo Property Search

SoHo (South of Houston) is famous for its cast-iron architecture and cobblestone streets. Originally a manufacturing district, it became an artists' enclave in the 1970s and has since evolved into a premier retail and residential destination. The SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District is one of the largest in the city.

Predominantly 5-6 story cast-iron loft buildings, many converted from manufacturing to residential Joint Living-Work Quarters (JLWQ). Ground floors are primarily retail. New development is limited by the historic district designation.

The cast-iron buildings predominantly date from the 1860s-1890s, making them some of the oldest commercial structures in Manhattan. Very few new buildings due to historic district protections.

Illegal residential use (historically, many loft conversions operated outside proper C of O classifications), facade maintenance on cast-iron buildings, illegal signage in the historic district, and violations related to the 2021 SoHo/NoHo rezoning.

High commercial assessed values due to retail ground floors. Residential lofts may be taxed at commercial rates if the C of O still reflects manufacturing use. The 2021 rezoning is gradually changing the tax landscape as properties convert to legal residential use.

Rezoned in 2021: M1-5/R7X, M1-5/R9X along Broadway, allowing legal residential development. SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District overlay requires LPC approval for exterior changes. The rezoning includes mandatory inclusionary housing provisions.

The 2021 SoHo/NoHo rezoning is the most significant change in decades, opening the door for new residential development with mandatory affordable housing.