My absolute favorite building in New York City is the Flatiron Building, renowned for its striking triangular shape and elegant Beaux-Arts architecture. Did you know it was constructed by the George A. Fuller Company? George A. Fuller himself is often credited as the ‘inventor’ of the modern skyscraper and the pioneer of general contracting as we know it today.

The triangular plot on which the Flatiron stands has been a part of New York’s landscape since the Commissioner’s Plan of 1811, which established the organized grid of streets we navigate today. In 1859, the St. Germain Hotel opened at the southern end of this plot, offering a touch of luxury that felt somewhat out of place amid the surrounding brownstones. Interestingly, just a block away, on 20th Street, stood Theodore Roosevelt's birthplace, a modest brownstone home.

*The back of the St. Germaine looking north up Fifth Avenue (1855) - Photo: NYPL Digital Archives*

The St. Germaine had a solid 40 year run before plans were underway for its demolition.

The plot of land passed hands a few times before it was sold to Harry S. Black (George Fuller’s son-in-law) so that he could build the Fuller Company’s New York City headquarters. Prior to the company’s move to New York City it had a roots in Chicago, so they hired George Burnham to design the Fuller Building. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style (featuring French and Italian Renaissance influences) it was fronted with limestone and terra-cotta.

It was completed in March of 1902, only 9 months after breaking ground! Unfortunately, George Fuller had passed away before he could see it’s completion, so the company named it The Fuller Building in his honor. This name lasted for a short period of time as locals called it the Flatiron Building.

At the time, New Yorkers were accustomed to taller structures, but the Flatiron’s unusual shape raised concerns. Standing at 20 stories, it was the tallest building in the vicinity, and many worried about how wind gusts would interact with its sharp angles. This concern gave rise to the phrase “23 skidoo.” Police officers would shout this at men loitering around the Flatiron, hoping for a glimpse of a woman's ankle as the winds swirled around them.

Throughout its history, the Flatiron Building has captivated countless admirers, including renowned artists like Alfred Stieglitz and Edward Steichen. I absolutely LOVE these 2 images and often wish I could time travel back to when these were taken. Imagine how quiet the city must have been?

While the Flatiron primarily served as office space for most of its existence, recent plans have been announced for its transformation into condominiums, marking a new chapter in its storied legacy. The Brodsky Organization has recently acquired a stake in the iconic Flatiron Building and plans to convert it into 40 luxury condominiums to be completed in 2026. Brodsky is managing a joint venture with two co-owners, The Sorgente Group and GFP Real Estate, and aims to seek project approval in early 2024. Details regarding the condos' design, floor plans, and pricing have yet to be disclosed. The redevelopment will include necessary renovations to protect the property, while separate repairs to the building’s terracotta facade have been ongoing since 2019, with the exterior currently covered in scaffolding.

How cool would it be to LIVE in the Flatiron Building? I'd buy there if I could get one of the tight corner units facing north up Broadway, don't you agree?

The Flatiron Building

Battery Park City