"The Flatiron Building" Flatiron Building Tip by von.otter

“I found myself agape, admiring a skyscraper — the prow of the Flatiron Building, to be particular, ploughing up through the traffic of Broadway and Fifth Avenue in the late-afternoon light.”
— H.G. Wells (1866-1946)

Mr. Wells captured the feelings of many in 1906, when they first glimpsed the Flatiron Building.

Located at 175 Fifth Avenue the Fuller Building, more popularly known as the Flatiron Building, is famous for its triangular footprint. This design maximizes its wedge-shaped site, where Fifth Avenue meets Broadway at 23rd Street.

Built between 1901 and1902, directly across from Madison Square Park, tradition tells us that the building inspired the phrase “23 skiddoo.” It was believed that the building’s shape created updrafts that lifted the skirts of women passing on 23rd Street. When men gathered for a glimpse, police moved them along by saying, “Hey, you, 23 skiddoo!”

When completed in 1902, it was one of New York City’s very first examples of the skyscraper. Standing at only 285 feet, Daniel F. Burnham and Company of Chicago, used 3,680 tons of steel, to be exact in its design.

It is an office building, a place of business; therefore, you cannot go in, except for the lobby. You can admire the lavish, detailed, stone decoration of its façade.

Address: 175 5th Avenue
Directions: Take the R or N subway line to 23rd Street.