80u. SoHo Historic District

A.K.A.: SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District
Location: roughly bounded by West Broadway, Houston, Crosby, and Canal Streets
Built: from early 1800s to today; most cast-irons date from 1870s
Architects: multiple
National Register Number: 78001883
Listed: June 29, 1978
Visited: June 21, 24, and 26; August 8 and 31, 2008
Additional Information: LPC Landmark Designation Report



The high and broad arches and rusticated stone of 484-490 Broome Street (Alfred Zucker, 1891) emphasize bluntness and bulk, but the façade is also dotted with all these fine and little details. Supporting the arches are examples of the Ouroboros: a dragon that devours its tail, a symbol of infinity, self-generation, renewal. Rather cosmic for a warehouse. But not too cosmic for an arts space.

The Kitchen moved here after its original hone, the Mercer Arts Center, collapsed rather dramatically in 1973. The Kitchen made its mark in the world of culture as a place for video art, but I'm an occasional rock critic and am more blown away by its rep for hosting some of the awesomest players of the downtown New York music scene, from unholy minimalists to noise jerks. Plus things like Ralph Ellison and Julius Hemphill...together, on stage. UNGH NOSTALGIA ATTACK. Excuse me, how can I take the number 6 train to 1981?