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Flatiron Building

Photo by Paul Wasneski

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The history...

The Flatiron Building, an iconic skyscraper in New York City, holds a unique place in architectural history. Completed in 1902, it stands as one of the earliest skyscrapers in Manhattan. Designed by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham, this triangular-shaped building has a storied past and remains a beloved part of the city's skyline.

The Flatiron Building, originally known as the Fuller Building, was named after a popular steel company, the Fuller Company. Its distinctive triangular shape was a response to the acute angle of the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, creating a wedge-like structure that became an architectural marvel. At its completion, it was one of the tallest buildings in New York City at 20 stories high.

The Flatiron Building is known for its Beaux-Arts architectural style. Beaux-Arts is characterized by elaborate ornamentation, classical symmetry, and grandiosity, which is evident in the Flatiron's façade with its decorative detailing and classical motifs.

In 1904, the renowned photographer Alfred Stieglitz captured an iconic image of the Flatiron Building, showcasing the skyscraper emerging dramatically from the cityscape. Stieglitz's photograph, titled "The Flatiron," has become an symbol of New York City's architecture and urban life in the early 20th century.

Source ChatGPT