Walking along the cobblestone streets and iron-clad buildings of SoHo today, while taking in the shopping, eating, art & music scene, it’s hard to imagine that not so long ago this area was filled with farms and rolling hills amongst Federal-style housing.

During the 60’s and 70’s, artists began to move into the area to take advantage of the large spaces, known as lofts, to work & live in, starting the transformation of what we see today.  Boasting the greatest collection of cast-iron architecture in the world, we can see why this would be the perfect backdrop for artists & art lovers alike.

Museums worth mentioning include The New York City Fire Museum, CMA (NYC’s only hands-on art museums for children) and The New York Earth Room.  SoHo also houses an endless array of art galleries that mixes all aspects of the art world, including The New Museum of Contemporary Art, Clic Bookstore & Gallery, Brentano’s, Agora Gallery, Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Animazing Gallery and the Deitch Projects.

SoHo boasts one of the most unique shopping experiences, with everything from art stands on the sidewalks to eclectic and high-end boutiques, this neighborhood exceeds all expectations.  Whether you are looking for the perfect designer dress or that one-of-a-kind vintage find, stores like Bloomingdales, TopShop, Kate Spade, Chanel, All Saints, What Goes Around Comes Around, J.Crew and Marc Jacobs create the ultimate shopper’s paradise with an endless array of options to choose from.

The selection of eateries in SoHo are amongst some of the best in the city! Jean Georges’ American Nouveau Mercer Kitchen, a Paris bistro-inspired Balthazar, a shabby-chic Lucky Strike, a refined take on Thai at Kittichai and Spanish-infused Boqueria are just a small handful of the melting pot that has become SoHo’s cuisine.

For those night owls, SoHo’s nightlife is among the best of the City, no matter what your preference. ñ bar is a quirky, yet elegant, tapas bar showcasing delicious food among the brown polka dot walls.  World-renowned Balthazar’s bar is much more intimate than the over-sized dining room, pooring your drinks with the utmost care.  If you are looking for a ‘spicier’ flavor, head to S.O.B’S for some Cuban salsa, Brazilian samba, Jamaican reggae and some African pop thrown in.  They even offer Latin dance classes (free) every Friday night, just to make sure you are ready for the weekend.

There are a lot of exciting condo projects that are worth taking a look at in SoHo.  Soho Mews is a new condominium located in the heart of SoHo’s landmark district that is attracting very high-profile buyers, and rightfully so.  Soho Mews is comprised of two luxurious residential buildings, one facing West Broadway and the other facing Wooster Street.  These two buildings are connected by a gorgeous private landscaped garden. Having sold over 75% of the 67 generous lofts, these beautifully detailed units are one-of-a-kind.

On the cobble-stoned street of Greene, 34 Greene Street features 6 incomparable, full-floor lofts and downtown’s most extraordinary Penthouse in two 1873 cast-iron buildings (formerly a 19^th Century printing company).  These grand lofts include travertine baths, double steam showers, soaking tubs, Schiffini, white lacquered kitchens and the finest Miele appliances and Calacatta marble counterops.

The glass façade at 350 West Broadway has combined the downtown loft living that SoHo residents love, with Park Avenue inspired layouts. A lush private terrace has 644 sun-drenched square feet accessible via the living room and master bedroom and provides an open-air retreat with the potential for outdoor grilling. Set above the quintessential SoHo townscape, the northern skyline views offer a sense of spaciousness and light unique to the neighborhood.