Gadling

This is absolutely my most favorite building in New York. I used to walk by it almost every day on my way to lunch when I worked in the city. Yet I've never stepped foot inside it! I think the Flatiron Building is simply stunning. It may not tower tall like the Empire or Chrysler, but its' wonderful shape, beautiful design and perfect location makes my heart skip a beat each time I see it, probably because it represents for me all that is unique and original about New York.

The historic building (originally known as the Fuller) lies where 5th Ave., Broadway and East 23rd St. intersect, directly across from Madison Square Park. I'll never forget what happened one day as I sat in the park eating lunch, staring up at the building through the trees. I looked down for a quick moment to take a bite of my sandwich, and a man walked by me with — I SWEAR — a boa constrictor around his neck. Only in New York. (I might be wrong about the exact kind of snake, but it was waaaay above average for a stroll in the park.) The best part was that no one freaked out — everyone went about their business, like this was a completely normal occurrence. It was in that moment that I came to truly appreciate just how wildly awesome this city is.

The Flatiron's restaurant and observation deck have been closed to the public for years, but visitors can still enter into the small lobby to see a series of historic photographs and notes about the building. The park, however, hosts walking tours and events and the area is a popular hop-on/hop-off for city bus tours. On your next trip to New York, I strongly suggest a visit to the park and the most magestic photogenic building in Manhattan (I'm not biased or anything :-)

Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Stories