<map of intersection of model agencies in SoHo: a pin is the intersection and marks are model agencies found by googling "model agency nyc">
Initial Idea:
There are a flow of models at the intersection.
History:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoHo
What became SoHo was to have been the locale of two enormous elevated highways, comprising the two branches of the Lower Manhattan Expressway. The highway was intended to create an automobile and truck through-route connecting the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges on the east with the Holland Tunnel on the west.
The young historic preservation movement and architectural critics, stung by the destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station and the threat to other historic structures, challenged the plans because of the threatened loss of a huge quantity of 19th century cast-iron structures, which were not then highly valued by the general public or contemporary business community. When John V. Lindsay became mayor of New York City in 1966, his initial reaction was to try to push the expressways through with political spin, dubbing the Robert Moses project the Lower Manhattan Expressway (or Lomex), depressing some of the proposed highway in residential areas and stressing the importance of the artery to the city. Nevertheless, through the efforts of Jane Jacobs, George Maciunas and other local leaders, the project was derailed and abandoned.
After abandonment of the highway scheme, the city was still left with a large number of historic buildings that were unattractive for the kinds of manufacturing and commerce that survived in the city in the 1970s. Many of these buildings, especially the upper stories which became known as lofts, attracted artists who valued the spaces for their large areas, large windows admitting natural light and cheap rents. Most of these spaces were also used illegally as living space, being neither zoned nor equipped for residential use; yet, this zoning violation was ignored for a long period of time as occupants using space that would have most likely been dormant or abandoned as a result of the poor economy in New York City during that time.
Pictures:
<a building of a model agency>
<street in soho>
<street in soho>
<a model of a model agency>
<a building and a doorman of a model agency>
<intersection of B'way and Prince Street, known as the intersection of model agency or Armani Exchange corner>
Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/v/xFGBwzLILso
http://www.youtube.com/v/3xGumaqcblI
<short video of the intersection>
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