I believe walking through Greenwich Village in the 19th century in New York City was very different from how it is today. In 1811 the grid plan was developed and still exists in the neighborhood today. Also still has the old streetscape architectural style. We also saw how SOHO is different from Greenwich Village and Washington Square Park.

Washington Square Park was in the heart of Greenwich, it was the largest single open space in the 1811 grid map, it was called the Parade. Before it was called the Parade, it was a potter field a place where people got buried if they had little to no money. The view from this area allows people to see Harlem. Greenwich Village’s irregulated streets have remained unchanged from the past to the present date. This experience of walking through these streets has enabled me to see how old New York was before the grid plan in 1811.

Many developers who had capital in New York City brought 4 – 5 lots at a time. Developers designed row houses that had a similar layout and used the same building materials.  Manufacturers used iron as a primary material for decorative gates and metal gates for homes. In the 19th century, the most common building materials for houses were brick, stucco, and stone. During this time developers would continuously sell most of their properties and keep one for themselves.  Throughout the area of Greenwich Village, you see properties with gigantic entrances, large streets, and building with a short stature

The area of SOHO is vastly different than Greenwich Village. In this part of the city, there is a heavy emphasizes of Italianate architecture. There is more commercial building than residential homes. As a result of the use of elevators, the building gained height with additional floors being added. SOHO building used cast iron for its decorative style. Manufacturers created moldings for ornamental cast-iron patterns. The Corinthian styled columns became a trademark of SOHO buildings.