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A cast‑iron landmark reborn
Built in 1881–1882 for James L. White and designed by W. Wheeler Smith, 361 Broadway, now known as Cast Iron House at 67 Franklin Street in Tribeca, is one of New York’s notable late cast-iron commercial buildings. Its six-story façade is defined by rows of columns, heavy entablatures, wide window bays, and richly varied cast-iron ornament.
A major restoration and residential conversion preserved the landmark façade while inserting contemporary living spaces behind it. Shigeru Ban Architects treated the historic exterior as the defining architectural frame for a modern luxury condominium.
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From commercial landmark to luxury residence
The building was designed for the textile trade that shaped lower Broadway in the late 19th century and later remained in commercial use. Its cast-iron façade and large window bays reflected the needs of a commercial building designed around light, visibility, and flexible interior space.
Shigeru Ban Architects converted the landmarked commercial structure into Cast Iron House, a boutique luxury condominium with 13 two-story loft residences and a two-story penthouse addition. The project pairs the preserved historic façade with contemporary interiors, double-height living spaces, and modern residential amenities.
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Why cast‑iron buildings remain coveted
Cast-iron façades were prized because foundries could prefabricate intricate columns, panels, and cornices, replacing costly stone carving with repeatable iron castings. That combination of economy, ornament, and speed helped give New York’s cast-iron districts their richly detailed streetscapes…