The Flatiron Building – Then, and Now

Our offices are located right in the heart of the Flatiron District, surrounded by one of New York City’s most historic and recognizable neighborhoods. At the center of it, sits the iconic Flatiron building itself. Originally designed by Daniel Burnham and completed in 1902 as the Fuller Building, the 307-foot-tall, steel-framed structure quickly became one of the most recognizable examples of early skyscraper design, and a globally-recognized symbol of New York City.

Long before the building rose on the site, the triangular plot of land was known as the “flat iron.” It was once farmland, then home to the St. Germaine Hotel and later the Cumberland Apartments. The building’s northern face became prime advertising space, even catching the attention of The New York Times, which used it to promote itself as the home of “all the news that’s fit to print.” The slogan appeared there in glowing electric lights before it ever appeared in the pages of the paper.

Now, the Flatiron Building is being transformed from offices into luxury residences, with the project expected to be completed in fall 2027. As a result, for the last seven years, and much to the disappointment of tourists emerging from the nearby subway, scaffolding and black netting have hidden much of the landmark.  Finally, in a long-delayed cause for celebration, the barriers are coming down to reveal the iconic structure in all of its glory.  We welcome back our neighbor as it enters a new chapter.

Photo taken by: Kaycee Portillo-Sorto

This article is intended as a general discussion of these issues only and is not to be considered legal advice or relied upon. For more information, please contact RPJ Partner Alice K. Jump who counsels clients on litigation, alternative dispute resolution and business counseling, with particular emphasis on representing clients in the financial services and real estate industries as well as educational and non-profit institutions. Ms. Jump is admitted to practice law in New York and before the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.