Ahead of Landmarks hearing for new Soho housing, see listings in highly coveted neighborhood

By CityRealty Staff | From Future New York Monday, June 26, 2023

Rendering of 277 Canal Street (Morris Adjmi Architects for Landmarks Preservation Commission)

Updated June 27, 2023 with results and takeaways from the Landmarks hearing.

On Tuesday, June 27, the Landmarks Preservation Commission ("Landmarks") reviewed an application for a vertical extension of 277 Canal Street, a three-story commercial building in the Soho-Cast Iron Historic District Extension. Also known as the Oltarsh Building in honor of designer David Oltarsh, the building dates back to 1927, when it was constructed as the first movie theater in the area. Over 100 years later, it is generating attention as the first building to require Landmarks approval in the wake of the Soho-Noho rezoning that passed at the end of 2021.

“The building…is evocative of the changes that were taking place in the Soho area as a result of transportation improvements and new forms of mass entertainment in the early decades of the 20th century” – Soho-Cast Iron Historic District Extension Designation Report

Developer United American Land is no stranger to Soho, as their portfolio includes the restoration and resiential conversion of 53 Howard Street and 321-323 Canal Street, the latter of which won Landmarks' Lucy G. Moses Award, which has been dubbed "the Oscars of preservation." They have tapped Morris Adjmi Architects, a firm well known for its context-sensitive designs and creative use of brick. Commissioner Jeanne Lutfy noted that this was neither the developer's nor designer's first appearance before Landmarks, and commended them on the approach they applied to this project.

The extension will ultimately bring the building to 13 stories and 145 feet tall, containing 10,000 square feet of retail space and 100 new housing units, which are expected to comprise 20 studios, 45 one-bedrooms, and 35 two-bedrooms (h/t Commercial Observer). Twenty-five will be designated affordable under Mandatory Inclusionary Housing.

↓ The new building will certainly change the streetscape, but will not dramatically alter the local skyline.

↓ The extension will feature a textured brick, terra cotta, and metal facade.

↓ The facade's design nods to the industrial buildings in the historic district.

↓ Renderings depict a crown and cornice at the top of the building.

↓ The original building's brick will be cleaned and repaired, and the original architectural details will be restored to their original glory.

↓ The proposed extension is nowhere near as flashy as that at 837 Washington Street, another David Oltarsh design.

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837 Washington Street Meatpacking District

Details are not available on residential amenities, but the greatest perk of all may be its Soho address: The building is a short distance from Soho's designer flagships, independent boutique, popular restaurants and bars, and famous gallery scene. 277 Canal Street is situated directly above the entrance to the Canal Street N/Q/R/W subway stop, up the street from the Canal Street 6 and J/Z stops, and down the street from the Canal Street A/C/E and 1 stops.

As Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Manhattan Community Board 2, New York Landmarks Conservancy, Association for a Better New York, and local residents and businesses alike testified in favor of the building, they praised the restoration of the historic building, as well as the materials and congruity of the addition. Chair Sarah Carroll described the project as an exciting opportunity for preservationists to think about growth; but in the end, amidst concerns about certain design elements and the retail-level signage, no action was taken today.

Landmarks did not make its decision based on the promised housing, but almost everyone who testified about the project praised this aspect of it. Local resident Andrew Stern described present-day Soho as a neighborhood for "the rich and rent-controlled," and he's not far off the mark: CityRealty listings show only 127 publicly listed apartments in Soho at a median price of $4,247,500 for condos and $3,750,000 for co-ops. Renters are even less lucky: CityRealty listings show only 92 publicly listed units for rent at a median price of $12,000/month.

Even if Landmarks had approved the building today, there would still still a lengthy construction and restoration project ahead. To that end, we present a selection of Soho apartments currently on the market.

Present-day 277 Canal Street

147 Sullivan Street, #1A
$465,000

SoHo | Cooperative | Studio, 1 Bath

147 Sullivan Street, #1A (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: This sun-filled, lofted studio features tall glass doors that lead out onto your private garden space. Enjoy all the prewar charm, including high ceilings, exposed brick, decorative fireplace, and a lofted bed area that allows for extended living room or office space underneath. New floors have just been installed as well as a fresh paint job. The space is a white box ready for its new owners to create their dream scenario - bring your architect and designer to help create your perfect layout! See floor plan and full details here.

131 Thompson Street, #3C
$995,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

131 Thompson Street, #3C (Compass)

From the Listing: Apartment 3C faces west with city views. This home has two split bedrooms; wood and cork floors and an original tin ceiling in the living room. The apartment faces west and is very quiet. The modern kitchen has a window, wood cabinets, Bosch dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator and a Thermador stove, plus a built-in microwave and a combination LG washer/dryer unit. The windowed renovated bathroom has glass and white tile and a sliding glass shower door. See floor plan and full details here.

Charlton House, #6C
$1,950,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths

Charlton House, #6C (Sothebys International Realty)

From the Listing: Apartment 6C is a corner two-bedroom, two-bath located at the crossroads of Soho, Greenwich Village and Hudson Square. The expansive living room connects to the dining “L”, (convertible third bedroom) and beautiful natural light floods the rooms from multiple windows. Open north exposures from the living room, dining area and primary bedroom over charming historic townhouses and beyond, and open west exposures from the second bedroom and corner primary usher in warm and inviting sunshine and glorious sunsets. See floor plan and full details here.

90 Prince Street, #2S
$2,395,000

SoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 1,400 ft²

90 Prince Street, #2S (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing this gut-renovated SoHo loft graced with charming pre-war details! A key-locked elevator ushers residents into a welcoming entry gallery with tiled floors, a full bathroom, and a mud room with built-in shelving and a stacked washer and dryer. The gallery flows into a massive open plan living room, dining room, and kitchen. Airy 12-foot ceilings with crown molding add a sense of volume and grandeur, accentuating an original cast iron column and beautiful hardwood floors while contemporary lighting fixtures from Apparatus Studio and Artek add stylish detail to the living area. The lavish custom Poliform kitchen boasts sleek stone countertops, ample storage space, and high-end appliances. Just off the living area is a private home office with a built-in desk. See floor plan and full details here.

The West Broadway Arches, #3F
$2,995,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths

The West Broadway Arches, #3F (Compass)

From the Listing: Boasting masterful design and meticulous attention to detail with exposed wooden beams, brick walls and the most phenomenal landmarked arched windows, this apartment offers a truly luxurious living experience while maintaining the soul of a downtown loft! As you step inside through the entry foyer, you'll be immediately captivated by the abundant natural light streaming through these unique windows and creating an inviting and luminous atmosphere. Currently configured with a living area, office, and dining space, this room offers versatility and flexibility to suit your individual needs. Additionally, a custom built-in shelving unit in the living room adds functionality and style to the space, allowing for various storage and display options. The primary sleep area exudes tranquility featuring sliding doors that open into the main living area, offering a seamless integration of private and social spaces. See floor plan and full details here.

508 Broadway, #5
$3,495,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath

508 Broadway, #5 (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Take advantage of a rare opportunity in the heart of SoHo's coveted Historic District! Enhancing the allure are soaring ceilings, rich wood floors, chic industrial elements, a fabulous skylight facing the heavens above, and oversized windows on double exposures (east and west) inviting in generous natural light. Tremendous space exists for large-scale entertaining and numerous seating arrangements. Whip up meals in the large well-equipped kitchen, which also has a dishwasher and an in-home washer-dryer. Descendants of such art world luminaries as Twombly, Schnabel and Guggenheim have all resided at this property. See floor plan and full details here.

458 Broome Street, #4FL
$3,750,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

458 Broome Street, #4FL (Compass)

From the Listing: A former studio of prolific American painter Alex Katz, this is a true, authentic artist's loft. Enormous, 36' x 24' great room for living/ dining comes with three oversized windows that look out over Broome at the cast iron buildings across the street. The chef's kitchen is outfitted with ample counter space and top-of-the-line appliances. The private, north-facing primary suite comes with walk-in dressing area and four fixture, ensuite bath with radiant heat floors, soaking tub and separate steam shower. See floor plan and full details here.

152 Spring Street, #3
$3,950,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2,305 ft²

152 Spring Street, #3 (EXP Realty NYC)

From the Listing: With its 2,305 interior square feet and 300 square feet exterior, this floor-through apartment spans its own private floor with windows facing north, south, east, and west. The apartment is equipped with its own private elevator landing and foyer, Russian white oak floors, large open kitchen with massive Northern landmark windows connected to a sunken living room including a gas fireplace with Pietra Cardoza granite. Parallel with the kitchen island is a dining area plenty of room to seat 12 or more of your friends and family. The prime bathroom is decorated with double sinks, standing shower and deep soaking bathtub. See floor plan and full details here.

59 Wooster Street, #3
$4,500,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 3,000 ft²

59 Wooster Street, #3 (Luxe Group NYC LLC)

From the Listing: Rare opportunity to turn a historic SoHo home into your dream loft residence! This corner loft spans approximately 3,050 square feet and boasts southern and eastern exposures from twelve oversized and arched windows, 11' ceilings, stately columns, and original hardwood floors. The keyed elevator opens to a windowed foyer, introducing the home's stately architectural features and grand entertaining space. The living room and studio space occupy over 2,300 square feet and flow seamlessly together surrounded by oversized cast iron windows. Three columns divide the space, adding to its multi-use functionality. The home also features custom closets and built-ins throughout, providing ample storage. See floor plan and full details here.

One Kenmare Square, #8BC
$5,000,000 (-10.6%)

SoHo | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 2,470 ft²

One Kenmare Square, #8BC (Compass)

From the Listing: Inside this seamlessly combined 2,500-square-foot showplace, you'll find solid ash wood floors, soaring 10-foot-tall ceilings and walls of east-facing windows. A gracious foyer flanked by closets invites you into the breathtaking great room where iconic Downtown views stretch straight down Delancey Street, all the way to the Williamsburg Bridge. Chefs will love the open kitchen where sleek lacquer cabinetry and Carrara marble counters surround upscale appliances. The desirable split-bedroom layout places the owner's suite along the eastern exposure, where you'll find king-size proportions with enough room for a sitting, office or fitness area. The massive walk-in closet attends to wardrobe needs, while the en suite spa bathroom offers an oversized Kohler soaking tub, shower and double vanity trimmed with mosaic tile and Blue de Savoie marble. See floor plan and full details here.

425 Broome Street, #3N
$5,500,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths

425 Broome Street, #3N (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: This dramatic corner condominium loft radiates true SoHo character and magnificence with soaring ceilings of over 13 feet and breathtaking volume and scale. Magical and sophisticated, this corner two bedroom plus home office holds two and one-half bath as well as a loft mezzanine. The arrival to this expansive 2,500 loft is accentuated by an open corner great room with spectacular oversized windows facing historic and picturesque SoHo. There is a secluded Zen primary bedroom with sunken bathtub and lavish windowed meditation area. The custom chef's kitchen with a vented 6 burner stove is placed discreetly off the dining and living area. Featuring custom mahogany windows throughout, a vented washer and dryer, hard wood floors, original tin ceilings and extremely low monthlies, this extraordinary loft has it all. See floor plan and full details here.

525 Broome Street, #6FL
$5,999,000

SoHo | Condominium | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

525 Broome Street, #6FL (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Located in the heart of SoHo, experience this stunning penthouse loft with expansive outdoor terrace. A keyed elevator opens directly into this grand and glorious home with soaring ceilings, exposed brick and a wood-burning fireplace. The layout offers four bedrooms and a den/library that opens directly to the terrace with streaming light and city views. Create in the fully equipped gourmet kitchen with Viking and Sub-Zero appliances framed with extensive cabinetry, pantry, and counter space. The large, corner terrace includes a stainless steel grill and extensive space for dining and entertaining. See floor plan and full details here.

Spice Warehouse, #PHB
$6,250,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths | 3,052 ft²

Spice Warehouse, #PHB (Douglas Elliman Real Estate)

From the Listing: Penthouse B is the only residence in the building that, in addition to its beautiful river views, also features open city views east. A key locked elevator opens onto the river facing great room with mesmerizing river views. The open chef's kitchen features solid wood Shaker-style white cabinetry, beautifully complemented with a frosted glass subway tile backsplash, grey Caesarstone countertops and a white cast iron apron-front farmhouse sink. The expansive primary suite has walk-in closets and en suite bathroom with Carrera marble subway tiles, free standing deep soaking tub, Dornbracht fixtures and heated floors. See floor plan and full details here.

80 Greene Street, #PH5F
$7,900,000

SoHo | Cooperative | 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,121 ft²

80 Greene Street, #PH5F (Corcoran Group)

From the Listing: Perched atop a classic SoHo cast-iron masterpiece, this remarkable three-bedroom, three-bathroom triplex penthouse serves as both a lavish entertaining destination and private retreat while nearly 1,200 square feet of terrace space creates an indoor-outdoor lifestyle unlike any other in the city. A semi-private landing on the historic building's fifth floor opens to a gracious gallery entry and vast gathering spaces for every occasion. Retreat to the great room to relax under soaring 13-foot-tall ceilings and an oversized skylight, or entertain in the expansive living/dining room flanked by four massive western windows. Even the most skilled chefs will feel at home in the adjacent kitchen where custom cabinetry and marble countertops surround upscale appliances. From the kitchen, a raw steel spiral staircase tempts you to the moody mezzanine level filled with dramatic exposed beams, built-in cabinetry, a bright skylight and windows overlooking the living room below. See floor plan and full details here.

60 Greene Street, #4
$9,450,000

SoHo | Condominium | 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 3,918 ft²

60 Greene Street, #4 (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Graciously positioned in the vibrant heart of SoHo, this prestigious residence harmoniously blends the allure of urban living with opulent luxury, representing a true pinnacle of sophistication. Enter into a spacious sanctuary of open concept design, seamlessly merging the living and dining areas, fostering an atmosphere of connectivity and free-flowing movement. Retreat to generously proportioned bedrooms, replete with abundant closet space to cater to the most refined wardrobe collection. Emanating an air of timeless sophistication, this impeccable residence boasts hardwood floors throughout, graced by bespoke modern finishes that epitomize the pinnacle of style and refinement. See floor plan and full details here.

42 Wooster Street, #6N
$11,600,000 (-7.2%)

SoHo | Condominium | 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths | 4,633 ft²

42 Wooster Street, #6N (Serhant LLC)

From the Listing: Introducing this breathtaking SoHo loft available for the first time in 25 years, a sprawling sun-splashed condo bestrewn with spacious rooms, intimate nooks, and 19th century charm. The home is nestled within an 1883 cast-iron Romanesque building and features a full-floor layout that spans more than 4,600 square feet with soaring 11-foot ceilings. A key-locked elevator offers direct access to a large foyer with custom light fixtures and multiple closets, and a hall to west ushers you into a majestic great room with triple exposure and exposed brick walls and wood beams. A set of 6 west-facing arched brick windows cast arched shadows on beautiful hardwood floors. The open-concept kitchen offers a plethora of built-in wooden cabinets with vintage turn-closures, an exposed brick backsplash, custom light fixtures, a walk-in pantry and bar, and high-end appliances. Just off the great room is a hidden brick terrace framed with arched peek-through windows reminiscent of Roman ruins. See floor plan and full details here.

Would you like to tour any of these properties?

This is your member's center

In this article:

“The building…is evocative of the changes that were taking place in the Soho area as a result of transportation improvements and new forms of mass entertainment in the early decades of the 20th century” – Soho-Cast Iron Historic District Extension Designation Report

↓ The new building will certainly change the streetscape, but will not dramatically alter the local skyline.

↓ The extension will feature a textured brick, terra cotta, and metal facade.

↓ The facade's design nods to the industrial buildings in the historic district.

↓ Renderings depict a crown and cornice at the top of the building.

↓ The original building's brick will be cleaned and repaired, and the original architectural details will be restored to their original glory.

↓ The proposed extension is nowhere near as flashy as that at 837 Washington Street, another David Oltarsh design.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

147 Sullivan Street, #1A
$465,000

131 Thompson Street, #3C
$995,000

Charlton House, #6C
$1,950,000

90 Prince Street, #2S
$2,395,000

The West Broadway Arches, #3F
$2,995,000

508 Broadway, #5
$3,495,000

458 Broome Street, #4FL
$3,750,000

152 Spring Street, #3
$3,950,000

59 Wooster Street, #3
$4,500,000

One Kenmare Square, #8BC
$5,000,000 (-10.6%)

425 Broome Street, #3N
$5,500,000

525 Broome Street, #6FL
$5,999,000

Spice Warehouse, #PHB
$6,250,000

80 Greene Street, #PH5F
$7,900,000

60 Greene Street, #4
$9,450,000

42 Wooster Street, #6N
$11,600,000 (-7.2%)

This is your member's center

In this article:

“The building…is evocative of the changes that were taking place in the Soho area as a result of transportation improvements and new forms of mass entertainment in the early decades of the 20th century” – Soho-Cast Iron Historic District Extension Designation Report

↓ The new building will certainly change the streetscape, but will not dramatically alter the local skyline.

↓ The extension will feature a textured brick, terra cotta, and metal facade.

↓ The facade's design nods to the industrial buildings in the historic district.

↓ Renderings depict a crown and cornice at the top of the building.

↓ The original building's brick will be cleaned and repaired, and the original architectural details will be restored to their original glory.

↓ The proposed extension is nowhere near as flashy as that at 837 Washington Street, another David Oltarsh design.

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Select which properties are of interest to you:

Listings in this article

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