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Geographic Boundaries
SoHo (South of Houston Street) occupies a roughly rectangular area in Lower Manhattan bounded by Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Crosby Street and Lafayette Street to the east, and Sixth Avenue to the west. It overlaps with the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District, which encompasses 26 blocks featuring approximately 500 cast-iron buildings. The neighborhood coordinates are approximately 40°43′23″N 74°00′00″W.
Businesses and Retail Landscape
SoHo serves as a retail mecca with a mix of luxury brands, independent boutiques, and flagship stores. High-end fashion brands like Chanel, Prada, and Louis Vuitton anchor Broadway, while smaller designers occupy side streets. Art galleries dot West Broadway and Wooster Street, and tech-forward showrooms like Apple’s glass-walled store on Prince Street blend commerce with architectural spectacle. Dining ranges from fine restaurants like Balthazar (French brasserie) to contemporary concepts such as The Dutch and Dominique Ansel Bakery.
Historical Attractions
The neighborhood’s industrial past as a 19th-century manufacturing hub is preserved through its cast-iron architecture. The SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District, designated in 1973, includes iconic structures like the E.V. Haughwout Building (485 Broadway), known for its Venetian palazzo-style facade. The 1962 "Rapkin Report" coined the name "SoHo" during efforts to preserve its architectural legacy amid urban renewal. By the 1970s, converted lofts became studios for artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring.
Architectural Character
SoHo’s identity stems from its concentration of cast-iron buildings, many dating to 1860–1890. These structures feature ornate facades with Corinthian columns, arched windows, and elaborate cornices. Examples include the Gunther Building (469 Broome Street) and the Queen Anne-style 72 Greene Street. Belgian block streetscapes and industrial lofts converted into residential spaces further define the area’s aesthetic.
Transportation Access
Key subway lines include the N/Q/R/W at Prince Street, the 6 train at Spring Street, and the A/C/E at Canal Street. Citi Bike stations and proximity to the Holland Tunnel facilitate car and bike access. Walkability is enhanced by grid-like side streets and pedestrian-friendly Broadway.
Adjacent Zip Codes
SoHo primarily uses 10012 and 10013. Nearby codes include 10002 (Chinatown/LES east of Bowery), 10014 (West Village), and 10007 (Tribeca). The northern edge near Houston Street borders 10012’s extension into Nolita.
Corporate Presence
Tech startups and creative firms dominate office spaces in converted lofts. While specific Fortune 500 companies are rare, the neighborhood hosts showrooms for global brands like Tesla and Nike. Media companies and architectural firms occupy upper floors of mixed-use buildings, leveraging the area’s artistic cachet.
SoHo’s blend of historic preservation and modern commerce continues to attract visitors and residents, maintaining its status as a cultural crossroads in Lower Manhattan.
