New York Attractions: Flatiron Building

Completed in 1902, the Fuller Building, commonly known as the "Flatiron Building," is one of New York City's oldest - and most unique - buildings. The visually compelling triangular-shaped structure sits on an entire block, bounded by Fifth Avenue, 23rd Street, and Broadway, facing Madison Square. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1979.

History

The Flatiron Building was completed in 1902, one of the earliest buildings to use steel construction and non-load bearing facades. At the time it was completed, it was one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan. You could see it all the way from Central Park.

During construction, skeptics called the building, "Burnham's Folly," thinking the unusual design would never stand up to a strong wind. Burnham seems to have had the last word. It still stands over 100 years later.

The name, Fuller Building, after Fuller Construction, the original tenant, never stuck. The public, from the beginning intrigued by the construction, dubbed it "The Flatiron Building" after the popular flatirons used for pressing.

The Flatiron's design has been copied in buildings throughout the world. Notable "flatiron" buildings include those in Toronto, Atlanta, and Cleveland.

The Architect

The Building

The Flatiron Building stands 285 feet tall, with 22 stories. At its most narrow, on the tip, it is just 6.5 feet wide. The building has a steel frame with a limestone and glazed terra cotta tile façade. The stonework is modeled after French and Italian renaissance designs and the building has three distinct horizontal motifs, using fleur-de-lis, gargoyles, and eagles, among other adornments.

The Flatiron Building in Popular Culture

The Flatiron Building is a widely recognized icon of New York City and visitors can find postcards, replicas, key chains, and all sorts of souvenirs bearing its likeness. The building has been featured in a number of films, including the "Spiderman" movies (as the headquarters for the "Daily Bugle" newspaper), "Godzilla," "Bell, Book, and Candle," and "Hitch."

The Flatiron Building also begat the (now dated) phrase "23 skidoo," meaning "scram." It seems the unique shape of the building created bursts of wind along 23rd Street and groups of boys would gather to see the wind blow up the girls' skirts. (Remember: this is the early 1900s.) The beat policemen would call to the boys "23 skidoo" to disperse the crowd.

Visiting the Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building is still used for offices today. It is especially popular with book publishers and its list of tenants includes Holtzbrinck and St. Martin's Press.

Although the original restaurant and observation deck have long since closed, visitors can walk through the small high-ceilinged lobby. Historic photographs of the construction and early days of the building adorn the lobby's walls.

Madison Square Park, across from the southern end of the building, is a good place to sit and admire the unobstructed view of the Flatiron.

Location: Bounded by Fifth Avenue, 23rd Street & Broadway