SoHo Cast Iron Historic District

In the middle of the nineteenth century, manufacturers in this neighborhood began replacing traditional brick facades with cast iron components. These modular pieces were mass produced in foundries and shipped to construction sites, where they were bolted directly onto masonry frames. This method allowed architects to design thinner walls and incorporate expansive glass windows that flooded workrooms with natural light. The aesthetic variety was achieved by simply selecting different ornate molds, which permitted businesses to showcase their wealth through elaborate, classically inspired columns and arches at a fraction of the cost of carved stone.