The $27 Million Secret: 7 Shocking Facts About 56 Crosby Street, New York's Most Cinematic SoHo Loft Building
Few addresses in Manhattan carry the same blend of historic charm, cinematic fame, and ultra-luxury real estate value as 56 Crosby Street. Situated on a coveted cobblestone street in the heart of the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, this boutique condominium building has quietly become one of downtown New York's most exclusive residential properties. The building’s history as a 19th-century department store, its transformation into ten sprawling loft residences, and its surprising role in a major Hollywood film all contribute to its legendary status, constantly fueling interest in its astronomical property values and rare listings.
As of late December 2025, the property continues to make headlines, not just for its multi-million dollar residential units but also for its significant commercial transactions. From billionaire retail acquisitions to record-breaking loft sales in 2023, 56 Crosby Street remains a powerful symbol of SoHo’s enduring luxury market, demanding attention from international investors and elite New York City residents alike. Here are the most shocking and essential facts about this iconic address.
The Definitive Profile of 56 Crosby Street
Understanding the allure of 56 Crosby Street begins with its detailed building profile, which blends classic New York history with modern luxury living.
- Full Address: 56 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10012.
- Neighborhood: SoHo (South of Houston Street).
- Historic District: SoHo Cast Iron Historic District.
- Original Use: Department Store (late 19th Century).
- Year Built: 1882.
- Conversion to Condominium: 2000/2001.
- Developer/Converter: Surtsey Realty Corporation (led by Howard Katz).
- Building Height/Stories: Six stories.
- Number of Units: 10 exclusive loft condominiums.
- Architectural Style: Red-brick former loft building, retaining many original features.
- Key Amenities: 24/7 Doorman (a rare feature for a boutique loft building), key-locked elevator, private storage.
7 Unbelievable Facts That Define 56 Crosby Street's Luxury Status
1. It's Home to the Most Famous Fictional Loft in SoHo
Perhaps the most widely known fact about 56 Crosby Street is its indelible link to Hollywood. The building served as the exterior location for the apartment of Andy Sachs, the protagonist played by Anne Hathaway in the 2006 blockbuster film "The Devil Wears Prada." This cinematic connection instantly elevated the building’s profile, cementing its status as a pop culture landmark in the world of New York real estate.
The actual interior lofts, like the one recently listed for sale, embody the quintessential SoHo aesthetic that the movie celebrated: massive, open-plan spaces with soaring ceilings and industrial-chic details.
2. Residential Lofts Boast Nearly 14-Foot Ceilings
The residential units at 56 Crosby Street are not merely apartments; they are sprawling, authentic SoHo lofts. One of the most striking features is the incredible ceiling height, with some units offering nearly 14-foot ceilings. This dramatic scale is a hallmark of the building's industrial past as a department store, allowing for immense light, volume, and an unparalleled sense of space that is highly sought after in the Manhattan market. The sheer size of the units, with some reaching over 3,600 square feet, makes them true mansion-in-the-sky residences.
3. A Billionaire Retailer Paid $27 Million for the Commercial Space
In a major commercial real estate transaction, the building's retail condominium was purchased by a company associated with billionaire retailer Isak Andic. Andic, the founder of the global fashion giant Mango, had his real estate company, Punta Na, acquire the 19,760-square-foot retail space for a staggering $27 million. This massive investment underscores the building's prime location and the immense value of commercial frontage on a key SoHo street, further solidifying the property's overall prestige and financial weight.
4. It Offers a 24/7 Doorman—A Rarity for Boutique Lofts
One of the most valuable amenities at 56 Crosby Street, especially for a building with only 10 units, is the presence of a full-time, 24/7 doorman. In the world of SoHo loft conversions, many historic properties operate without a doorman or with limited staff. The provision of round-the-clock service and security in such a small, exclusive building is considered an ultra-luxury feature, offering residents privacy, convenience, and an unheard-of level of personal service.
5. Recent Listings Have Asked for Up to $8.9 Million
The residential lofts at 56 Crosby Street command prices that reflect their size, location, and exclusivity. Recent listings have generated significant buzz in the luxury market. For instance, Unit 2A was put on the market for $8.9 million, while Unit 3R, a 3,614-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom condo, was listed for $7.35 million. These high asking prices are a testament to the property's status and the demand for authentic, large-scale loft living in the Cast Iron Historic District.
6. The Building is a Landmarked Piece of SoHo History
Built in 1882, the six-story structure is not just an old building; it is a designated landmark within the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District. This landmark status ensures that the building’s attractive red-brick facade and historic character are preserved, preventing significant exterior alterations and maintaining the classic aesthetic that defines the neighborhood. The architectural preservation is a key factor in the building's desirability, as it guarantees the enduring charm of its cobblestone street setting.
7. Interiors Feature Spa-Worthy, High-End Amenities
While the exterior maintains its historic integrity, the interiors of the converted lofts are outfitted with the highest level of modern luxury. Residential units often feature gas fireplaces, a rarity in many Manhattan buildings, adding a cozy, sophisticated ambiance. The bathrooms are described as spa-worthy, boasting amenities such as marble countertops and heated floors, showcasing the meticulous detail and investment that went into the 2000/2001 condominium conversion by Surtsey Realty Corporation.
The Enduring Appeal of Boutique Luxury on Crosby Street
56 Crosby Street perfectly encapsulates the enduring appeal of the SoHo lifestyle: a harmonious blend of industrial history, artistic energy, and world-class luxury. The building’s location is arguably its greatest asset, placing residents steps away from the neighborhood's premier shopping, dining, and art galleries, yet on a quieter, more residential cobblestone block. The combination of a landmarked structure, authentic loft living with enormous scale, and the kind of full-service amenities typically reserved for much larger developments makes this address a true unicorn in the downtown Manhattan real estate market.
Whether it is the mystique of living in a building featured in a beloved film, the sheer grandeur of the 14-foot ceilings, or the financial weight of its multi-million dollar transactions, 56 Crosby Street continues to command attention. Its rich history and current market performance confirm its position not just as a piece of real estate, but as a cultural and architectural icon in New York City.
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