Nikola Tesla (b July 10th, 1856, in Smiljan in what was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire d Jan 7th, 1943). His work with AC power is the basis for how we use electricity.

From 1895-99 46-48 East Houston Street (somewhere on this block which is now the home of Soho Billiards) was the site of Nikola Tesla’s research laboratory. He moved here after a devastating fire at his lab on what is now West Broadway. Along with his work with electrical current, Tesla, experimented with alternate sources of energy, work which largely dismissed as his reputation suffered due to his declining mental health. However, his work with the wireless transmission of electrical power continues to fascinate.

It was at the Houston Street location that police were called in July 1895, to investigate an earthquake, reportedly caused by Tesla’s experiments in “telegeodynamics.”