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Flatiron Building

What is flatiron building?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Name Flatiron Building[1]
Original name Fuller Building[3]
Location Manhattan, New York City[2]
Completion year 1902[2]
Stories 22[2]
Height 285 feet (87 meters)[2]

The Flatiron Building is a 22-story steel-framed skyscraper in Manhattan, New York City, completed in 1902 and known for its narrow triangular shape at the Fifth Avenue–Broadway site.

Context

The Flatiron Building is a 22-story steel-framed skyscraper in Manhattan, New York City, completed in 1902 [2]. Originally called the Fuller Building, it is known for its narrow triangular shape at the Fifth Avenue–Broadway site [3]. Its unusual form comes from the wedge-shaped lot, making it one of New York City's oldest surviving skyscrapers [2]. The building is a key example of Beaux-Arts Classicism and has been a city landmark since 1966 [3]. It is often compared to other iconic Manhattan towers like the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, though it predates them by decades [2].

Documented claims

  • It is one of New York City's oldest surviving skyscrapers. [2]
  • It is considered a key building in the Beaux-Arts Classicist movement. [2]
  • Its unusual triangular form comes from the wedge-shaped lot at Fifth Avenue and Broadway. [3]
  • The building was designated a New York City landmark in 1966, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. [3]

Related

Chrysler BuildingA reader interested in the Flatiron Building would likely also want to know about other iconic New York skyscrapers like the Chrysler Building.The Empire State BuildingThe Empire State Building is another famous New York landmark that a reader might naturally explore after reading about the Flatiron Building.

Questions and answers

Why is the Flatiron Building so famous?

The Flatiron Building is famous for its distinctive triangular shape, which results from the wedge-shaped lot at Fifth Avenue and Broadway [3]. It is also one of New York City's oldest surviving skyscrapers and a key example of Beaux-Arts Classicism [2].

Can you go in the Flatiron Building?

Yes, the Flatiron Building is accessible to visitors, though it is primarily an office building [2]. Its unique architecture and historical significance make it a popular stop for tourists [3].

Sources

  1. Flatiron Building | New York, History, & Facts — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Flatiron Building – History of New York City — blogs.shu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. 20 Fun Facts About the Flatiron Building — ogtstore.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Places