The Innovative Flatiron Skyscraper – Available To Rent 1902

Our photograph is from American Art Views, a view book published September 15, 1903 showing contemporary New York City.

To the right, with a flag on its roof is the six-story Fifth Avenue Hotel (1859-1908). The clock in front of the hotel remains standing today, though the hotel is long gone. On the corner of 24th Street we can glimpse the sign for for “Maillard’s.”

Maillard’s restaurant and confectionery shop was on the ground floor of The Fifth Avenue Hotel. It was famous for Henry Maillard’s delicious chocolate and desserts.  Just around the corner from the restaurant was Maillard’s five-story block through factory. It was the largest chocolate factory in New York, located at 113-117 West 24th Street and 114-118 West 25th Street.

At the intersection of Fifth Avenue (right) and Broadway (left) at 23rd Street, the Flatiron Building has a sign notifying passerby rentals are available through George Read, the managing agent.

This early skyscraper was officially named The Fuller Building after the construction company who built the Flatiron and its late president George Fuller (1851-1900).  Even before completion, almost no was using the name, instead calling the building the Flatiron, obviously resembling a “flat iron.”

The 22-story Flatiron was never the tallest building in New York, just the seventh tallest at the time of completion. But, it was among the most distinct by its ship like bow-front.  In October 1902 the Flatiron was ready for occupancy.

The Flatiron’s architect Daniel Burnham, influenced other builders with this design. On  July 7, 1902 the announcement came that another flatiron building would go up at Longacre Square. At the intersection of Seventh Avenue, Broadway and 42nd Street, The Times Tower would rise, built by Cyrus. L.W. Eidlitz

The New York Times new building would alter the area’s name to Times Square.