E. V. Haughwout Building

The E. V. Haughwout Building is a five-story structure with cast-iron facades located at the intersection of Broome Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Built in 1857 by architect John P. Gaynor, it originally housed an emporium selling imported glassware, silverware, and fine chandeliers.

The structure was designed in 1857 by architect John P. Gaynor and became a milestone in the use of cast-iron construction for urban retail spaces. Its creation marked a turning point in how commercial buildings of the era were built and designed.

The building was a hub of upscale shopping culture in the 19th century, attracting wealthy customers seeking luxury household goods. Its location at the corner of Broome Street and Broadway made it a major commercial destination in Manhattan at that time.

The building is easy to access and can be viewed from outside to admire its impressive architecture and distinctive cast-iron details. Its location in Manhattan makes it simple to visit while walking through the neighborhood.

The building housed the first commercial passenger elevator built by Otis, installed in 1857 and operational with steam power. This elevator fundamentally changed how customers could move through the department store and shop across multiple floors.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1857

Architects: John P. Gaynor

Height: 24 m

GPS coordinates: 40.72194,-73.99944

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:23