Neighborhood Overview

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.

Common Property Types

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.

Typical Building Ages

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.

Common Violations

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.

Property Tax Information

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.

Zoning Information

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.

Notable Developments

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