SoHo is known as the heart and soul of New York City. SoHo, an acronym for SOuth of HOuston, is an eclectic neighborhood which has a long and interesting history. Still evident today are some of the cast-iron factories, warehouses, and cobblestone streets from the mid-1800s which give the area its character. However, some of those factories were nothing less than sweatshops and when new labor laws forced them to evacuate, many of these buildings were abandoned for several years.
SoHo rose to fame again as an “artsy” neighborhood in the 1960s and 1970s, when those abandoned factory buildings, which were constructed with decorative cast iron façades patterned after classical French and Italian architectural designs, were turned into studios and open living spaces by artisans who could rent these buildings cheaply. Some of these buildings featured large display windows which were perfect for showing off the works of the artisans.
By the 1980s and 1990s, the SoHo area drew more affluent young professionals and spawned an exodus of the area’s artists who left behind several trendy art galleries, clothing boutiques, and restaurants. Since that time, the area has continued as a popular attraction for tourists drawn to its unique cast-iron architectural buildings with upscale shops, boutiques, and chain stores on the northern side of the city. The southern part of the neighborhood is also popular for its less expensive shopping opportunities, as well as the avant-garde art galleries.
SoHo has established itself as having some of the finest restaurants found anywhere and which are guaranteed to satisfy any craving you might have with a wide variety of cuisines. It also offers shopping for designer clothing at chic boutiques and stores, and a lively nightlife in many types of bars, pubs, and nightclubs. The nightlife ranges from dancing venues to sports bars.
SoHo is very different from the what it was in the 1970s when it was mostly abandoned factories and stores. Today, loft apartments are selling in the millions. Soho is one of the best places in New York City for shopping, eating, or just walking around. SoHo lacks nothing in offering the good life.
If you would like to learn more about New York City SOHO real estate, please give me a call at 877-Deb-0007 (877-332-0007), or use the form below to send an e-mail.
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