The most celebrated architectural achievement among SoHo's many nineteenth century masterpieces, the Venetian-style Haughwout building was the first building in the world to make use of a hydraulic elevator (designed by Elijah Armstrong Otis, namesake of Otis elevators) and is therefore considered a critically important proto-skyscraper, despite standing only five stories tall. Inspired by the San Sorvino Library in Venice, the Haughwout Building is known as the Parthenon of cast-iron buildings, an intricate network of 92 keystone arches and impressive friezes. Where once was the renowned Haughwout cut-glass and silver store there is now, sadly, a Staples.