NoHo, Manhattan

NoHo, Manhattan
source
Name	NoHo
Settlement type	Neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City
Subdivision type	Borough
Subdivision name	Manhattan
Subdivision type1	Community District
Subdivision name1	Manhattan 2
Named for	"North of Houston Street"
Postal code type	ZIP Code
Postal code	10003, 10012
Area code	212, 332, 646

NoHo, Manhattan. NoHo is a small, affluent neighborhood on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in New York City. Its name, a portmanteau for "North of Houston Street," distinguishes it from the adjacent SoHo to the south. The area is renowned for its well-preserved collection of 19th century cast-iron architecture, its role as a center for Off-Broadway theater, and its high-end residential and commercial character.

History

The area now known as NoHo was originally part of the Common Lands of New Amsterdam and later developed as a fashionable residential district in the early 19th century, home to notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and John Jacob Astor. By the late 19th century, it transformed into a major center for the textile and fur trade, with warehouses and loft buildings constructed by prominent Gilded Age architects. Following a period of decline in the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was revitalized after the 1965 creation of the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District, with artists and theater groups moving into the vacant industrial spaces. This led to its official designation as the NoHo Historic District by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1999 and its extension in 2008.

Geography and boundaries

NoHo is generally defined as the area north of Houston Street, south of Union Square (specifically East 9th Street), east of Broadway, and west of The Bowery. It is bordered by the Greenwich Village and East Village neighborhoods to the west and east, respectively. The primary north-south thoroughfares are Broadway and Lafayette Street, with major east-west arteries including Astor Place, Bleecker Street, and Great Jones Street. The neighborhood falls within Manhattan Community Board 2 and is part of the New York County 10th congressional district.

Architecture and landmarks

NoHo is distinguished by one of the world's finest concentrations of cast-iron architecture, featuring ornate facades designed by architects such as Henry J. Hardenbergh and Griffith Thomas. Key structures include the Bayard-Condict Building, the only Louis Sullivan building in New York City, and the De Vinne Press Building. The neighborhood contains several notable theaters, including the Public Theater at Astor Place, the Orpheum Theatre, and the former Astor Opera House. Other significant landmarks are the Astor Library, now part of the Public Theater, the Merchant's House Museum, and the Roosevelt Building.

Demographics and culture

NoHo has a dense, wealthy population and a strong artistic heritage. It is a central hub for Off-Broadway and experimental theater, anchored by institutions like the Public Theater and La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club. The neighborhood has been home to numerous cultural figures, including Andy Warhol, who ran The Factory on East 47th, and Mark Twain. It features prominent art galleries, upscale boutiques, and dining establishments. Annual events and the presence of institutions like New York University contribute to its vibrant, creative atmosphere.

Economy and transportation

The local economy is dominated by high-end retail, luxury residential real estate, art galleries, and the theater industry. Major commercial corridors include Broadway and Bleecker Street. The neighborhood is exceptionally well-served by New York City Subway stations, including Astor Place ( <6> trains), Bleecker Street ( <6> ), and 8th Street–NYU ( ). It is also a node for MTA Regional Bus Operations bus routes and is near the Cooper Square transportation hub.