Welcome toSoHo

My letter to SoHo

Over the last few decades, Soho has undergone one of the most groundbreaking transformations of any neighborhood, anywhere in the world. In the early 70’s with the Lower Manhattan Expressway in the proverbial toilet, its cobblestoned streets in disrepair and her fabled iron facades rusting, Soho had been all but forgotten by all but the most unfortunate of city dwellers. But then a funny thing happened. The artists found Soho.  They found vast spaces sandwiched right in between where the money was earned and where the money was spent in the financial capital of the world. Rent was either cheap or there was no rent at all. The loft was born! They came in swarms and, not so slowly, the galleries followed. By the late 70’s, 80’s and well into the 90’s, Soho was the place you went to view and collect art. There are far to many REALLY influential artists and galleries to list, but it is they who turned it into the worldwide shopping and hospitality sensation of a neighborhood it is today.  Sure, there are many who lament the old days and nights in Soho. Popping into Mary Boone or Leo Castelli on West Broadway.  Long nights at Milady’s. A stolen kiss on Crosby Street. It’s different now, but so is the rest of the city. Those artist lofts are now some of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the world. Global retailers give their right arm (and whole bank account) to have a shop there. People from all over flock to walk the streets that have inspired so much and so many. If you want to enjoy a little of the old Soho, Raoul’s Steak Au Poive remains one of the best you will ever find.