As Louis Rossmann has said so many times in his walks through NYC: They'd rather ask absurd rents and keep it empty if they can't get their asking price. The entirety of NYC operates in this absurd way as though supply/demand isn't a thing.

From 1963 to 1967 I went to the Art Career School which was on the 22nd floor of the Flatiron Building. The elevators only went up to the 20th floor and then I had to walk up the last two floors. My 4 years of studying interior design was from 7pm to 10pm. Before classes started, another student and I climbed out the window and up a ladder and sat on the flat roof having our dinner. I have photos of me up there. What an exquisite building.

My grandfather was a mechanical engineer and was part of the team that built the Flatiron Building.

My father was a tenant at 200 5th avenue - The Toy Center - across the street - since 1950. I joined the business in 1988 and we remained tenants till the building was sold in 2010. We had a very large 20,000 sf showroom in the 13th floor overlooking the Flat Iron building and looking all the way down 5th avenue to the World Trade Center. I had the corner office - very impressive…. I saw 9/11 unfold live from my office…. We used to do our banking at Chase Manhattan in the Flat Iron Building. I think it was on the 9th floor . Memories…..

There is no question that the Flatiron Building should be preserved as one of the foremost landmarks of New York. Hopefully , it will again come to an important use . It makes a bond statement on one of the most important corners of the city as well as the model for similiar buildibgs in other cities. It marks one of the most important corners as well as its appearance in popular movies. May it continue to be a prestigious address and found a good use for it.

Buildings like this need to be kept. Modern Buildings have no story or character to them like this one and other old ones like it.

Greed ruins everything. I love this building, it truly is one of a kind. I hope it is restored soon before its too late.

This is an architectural achievement as far as I'm concerned and it would be a shame if it were to be demolished... why can't we just have some nice things?

I'm a NY Realtor and by state law no building in NY if it is registered as a historic landmark can have its appearance changed in any way. The fact that this building is also registered nationally as historic it is very unlikely it will be torn down. The state would have funded it but they found someone with the money to restore it's appearance on the outside, while doing what they want with the interior. It will be interesting to see what they do with it. From an real estate viewpoint, at the prices for NYC rentals, this is a gold mine for luxury apartments.

I was at a business meeting from the UK to Chicago. On the return, I booked a couple of days of leave and dog-legged to NY to check out the architecture. Empire State, Chrysler Building, Flatiron, and the Brownstones. People told me I'd be robbed and killed by gangs if I went to Clinton Hill to check out the Brownstones. Turned out I split a jug of rum with an old guy on the porch of his building. He had been renting there for sixty years, and had a rich storehouse of stories to tell. He knew all the gang-bangers, and they had a strange respect for him - he knew most of them when they were kids. - 'Hey Mr. Kowalski' - 'See you there, Leroy'.

There is a glut of office space and a clear need for residential use in Manhattan. It could be turned into apartments.

My father was Comptroller of St Martins Press from 1961 until 1966. He grew up in Manhattan and was proud to work in a building that had been famous since he was a small boy. He told me it was "the first skyscraper in New York". He had the corner office at Broadway and East 22nd Street on the 17th floor (?). I went there on one occasion when I was 12 and still remember his gigantic SCM Marchant Electro-Mechanical Desktop Adding Machine "chattering" through sums that would take my cell-phone about 10,000th the amount of time to solve today. And all the "Secretaries" were dressed to the nines. Cat's Eye Glasses, Tight Dresses, Circle Pins, Silk Stockings, High Heels and Hairdos. And they were so nice to me! The family went to the Manhattan Club to have lunch in a private dining room decorated in French Provincial Style. Then we all went to the Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden. The day ended with a trip to Horn and Hardart for a Prime Rib Dinner with mashed potatoes and peas followed by a train ride back to Westport. That was the New York of the Nineteen Sixties. And gone!

It's a shame no one actually lives in this beautiful building. Since the rent for a closet sized apartment in NY is obscenely high, I'd love to see this turned into affordable apartments, but I'm a dreamer.

The chances that the Flatiron building will be demolished is very low because the plot of land it is sitting on is not suitable for building a larger tower.

I hope they can turn it into residential living. Take a look at the Woolworth building in FiDi, it use to be a major bank and they turned it into beautiful residences. New York needs to protect historical buildings and modernize them to todays needs

My very first job in NYC was in the Flatiron. I had an office on the 19th floor.

My wife and were both published by St. Martin's Press and so we had many occasions to visit the building before St. Martin's moved their offices in 2019. I think the elevators in the Flatiron were probably the slowest I ever experienced in NYC. The building is a wonderful art object but it is inadequate as a modern office building. The offices were oddly shaped and cramped and the bathrooms were few and not friendly. But I always was amazed to look down from the prow of the building on the busy traffic at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue at twilight. I hope it is preserved and made useful again.

I’d be shocked if they decided to demolish that building. The trend of empty buildings continues across the country especially in places like NYC, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. These spaces need to be reimagined going forward, Covid and work from home really accelerated the decline of the office.

In the 1970s, an equally iconic Radio City Music Hall was a candidate for demolition, mostly because it was thought the land could be used more profitably with the construction of a high rise. Ditto the amazing Grand Central Terminal around the same time and for the same reason. But the residents of NYC (me included) rallied around both icons, and today, each enjoys a status better than ever. My guess is that the Flatiron Buiding wiil find the same preservationists who will insist on its glorious future.

i fear for it. NYC has torn down incredible buildings before. mind you, they keep building incredible buildings however some take time to find their way into a persons heart. Once they do, no one wants them demolished. I love the Flatiron. it needs to stay. Some buildings just can't replace the uniqueness of what already exists.

That is such a beautiful building! In the 80s I worked in an office on 5th Avenue less than a block away from the Flatiron Building. I passed it every morning and evening. I was told that shortly after construction, the building drew huge crowds which had to be disbursed by the police. Since the building was on the corner of 23rd street, that gave rise to the expression 23 Skidoo!

It is so sad that the Flatiron Building, and other historic structures in other cities, is not in use. I do not think I will ever understand why in Europe (as an example) there are buildings hundreds of years old and still in use. Yet, in the U.S., unless it is designated a historic landmark, we tend to tear down anything 50 years old.

Great video. In the City of Cleveland, Ohio where I grew up near, there were many "flatiron" buildings. I was born in 1953,...and remember the ones that were around when I was a teenager. I grew up in a suburb, that was 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland, and as a kid we went to our downtown every other weekend. From the eastern suburbs there was an electric trolley I could take down there. I was accompanied by my mother, when I was very young, but I continued to go down there when I was teenager. The flatirons I recall were not as tall the NYC ones,...probably not more than 5 stories. I loved the kind of quirky stores that would inhabit the narrow pointed end of the building. One contained an upscale coffee cafe, another a variety store, that sold a little bit of everything. I recall one housing an Army-Navy, surplus store. I was always fascinated by unusual architecture.

Because this building is considered historic, the chances of it being torn down are slim. It will most likely cost about $800 or more a square foot to remodel and repair structural defects. The big question is, who is willing to step up to the plate & take on an extremely expensive project like this?

With another major renovation you could probably redevelop it as condos with retail and restaurants on the first floor. One major issue is presently all those spaces have window unit a/c. There'd need to be central air added.

I was just there last week. It's currently undergoing some renovations (there's scaffolding on each end) So hopefully the wrecking ball won't be there anytime soon.

My favorite NYC building. I'll never forget my first sight of it...a pleasant unexpected surprise.

“Projectors that showed news bulletins, a contraption best compared to modern day projectors…” 🤯 very interesting lol. P.s. Love your videos, keep ‘em coming, y’all are amazing.

NYC needs to eliminate the tax breaks to landlords for unrented/unleased spaces. It completely eliminates the urgency to rent their units. If the tax relief was lifted, you'd see empty places being rented and rents decrease across the board. It would still be ridiculous, but not quite AS insane as it currently is.

Iconic & amazing looking building. Needs to be kept but no doubt some developer already has plans to flatten it

The corner of 23rd Street & 5th Avenue was notorious both for its wind currents and for the small groups of men crowding around on the sidewalk. Because the ladies fashion of the day was to wear long billowy skirts, the men were hoping the gusty wind would provide a glimpse of leg. The local police had to chase these groups away so often that it became known as the "23 Skidoo".

Any thought of demolishing it would likely have to reckon with a limited Floor Area Ratio in any new construction scheme - meaning you might not even be able to build as big/tall a skyscraper on such a limited-size lot.

it would be a shame to loose that building. would love to see the inside.

It was the Daily Bugle newspaper building in the Toby McGuire Spider-Man movies.

I've been to the flat iron building 10 years ago and it was amazing to see.

It should be converted into a computer server park. You do not need the same kind of infrastructure as modern habitation buildings do, only shitloads of Electricity, datacables, and airconditioning. The whole building could probably operate with only 20 or so toilets for staff and visitors. Having so much outside compared to the inside also makes cooling the computers easier.

This is one of the most iconic building in NYC after the ESB and Chrysler building. I've been outside the building countless times but never inside - would love to have an excuse to see the inside of it. Years ago I almost applied for a job I think it was for one of the publishers but my attention turned elsewhere. Let's hope they turn it into something useful for the area and not a flop house for migrants that would be a waste.

I have never been in the Flatiron Building and I didn't know its history, but I instantly recognize it from when I used to work in NYC. Its shape and dimensions make it one of the most unique buildings I have ever seen.

Whenever I walked to work i always slowed my pac to enjoy looking over this architectural "work of art". I regret never having entered the building to look at its interiors. Thanks for the video; I found the history very interesting. Thank you.

What a surprise this video was. A gallop through its history but with such a clear narration it was fascinating. Would be a shame to lose all that history but also the building itself. London has been ruined by all the glass and steel architects ego trips with ugly shapes and stupid names. We need these gems from former years to remind us of our pasts.

We were just in NYC not long ago. The Flatiron building remains one of my favorites. It's sad to think it might get torn down to make way for another soulless skyscraper. If it does, the new owner should pay homage to it, and have some similar styling, at least.

FWIW, I was in New York this past weekend and passed by the Flatiron Building (I didn't even know the Flatiron by name until I recognized the building from Madison Square Park). The entire building was surrounded by scaffolding, so it looks like they might be doing exterior renovations or maintenance to get rid of the sheds?

Wow! This is a lovely building to see in person. I hope that its future brightens soon. Thank you for this information. ❤

Saw the Flatiron Building for the first time in April 2023( my first trip to NYC in my then 61 years ) , it was huge, and has a dark screen on it because they were doing work on it. Amazing to finally see in real life! ( Manhattan as a whole was amazing to finally see in real life!)

Ah hour ago I was actually thinking about you making a video on the flatiron

I can definitely see this as a mixed use building. You could have condos or apartments on the upper floors with a hotel occupying space on some of the lower floors. Retail spaces on the ground level. It definitely could work.

Went to New York for first time and was so excited to see this fabulous building . Just blew me away

used to work near the Flatiron .... always took my breath away ... my NYC seems like a thing of the past ... great film "The Model and the Marriage Broker" shows it off beautifully

Thanks Brian. Great details. Would have liked to view historic interior photos.

The original Flatiron building is in downtown Atlanta. 84 Peachtree Street. The one in New York is a takeoff. The original one is challenging to lease, too - it’s just not built for optimum office use.

Feels like an old friend. I always appreciated walking passed it every day on my way to art school (SVA) in the 80's. 23rd st. 6th to 3rd av.

My company was located right across the street on fifth avenue from 1982 to 2003. I always loved that building.

This was the tallest building in the world at that time. You did not mention it.

I was a photocopier tech and my area included zip 10010 so it was then I first saw the flat iron building. However there was no equipment within the building that my company serviced, so I was only in the lobby a few times. I know of one movie that had a scene on top of the building called "Bell Book and Candle" starring James Stewart and Kim Novak. I passed by the building numerous times between 1977 and 1982, always interesting to observe.

Excellent video, thank you so much for this effort. Being a fascinated fan of architectural design and, living in Chicago, especially found your history on Fuller (NYC-Chicago tie-in), especially interesting. For Chicago architectural skyscraper fans, I highly recommend Thomas Leslie's new book: 'Chicago Skyscrapers'. Thank you again, NYC has always been our "big brother", to who we looked to for inspiration and inovation.

Great video! St. Martin's was my publisher in the early 2000s. My editor had one of those offices in the front of the building. On my first visit I noticed that the windows were curved and asked what they'd do if one of them got broken. "Apologize to history," she said. Apparently those curved windows were seriously expensive to replace so it was actually considered a hardship to be assigned one of those spaces. Not to mention that the narrow corner made it hard to navigate. I can see why it's become difficult to lease out.

Thanks for doing these videos.

First thought before watching past 0:30: Most any New York buiding is currently worth more if it sits without renters. If word gets out that rent has to be lowered to actually attract renters, the bubble will burst. After watching all the way, in this case it also sits empty because of the changes in ownership and renovations.. But in general, my first thought is often relevant.

I have loved iconic historic buildings, antiques, and vintage finds my entire life. This one, however, is an eyesore.

Well it's a good thing there is plenty of housing available in New York. Otherwise I would wonder how the city would allow so much potential housing be left empty on some of the most in demand real estate in the U.S.

Chicago and New York share so many links and common people.

It's my favorite building in NYC. I lived in NYC for 10 years and the building still fascinates me❤

I travelled to NY from the UK recently wanting to see this iconic building, imagine my disappointment when I stepped out of the subway to a building wrapped in scaffolding and sheeting😢. Would love to see it restored to its former glory.

I know it's absurdly expensive to convert office space to residential, but how cool would it be to have an apartment there if it were?

Beautiful building and architecture that's quintessential New York. Need more of these buildings saved and fewer of the pencil eyesores they've been building near Central Park.

Very interesting. I’ve always loved this building but never knew it’s history. Thank you for the edification. One thing you might want to keep in mind for future videos. “Realty” is a two syllable word. A lot of people make the mistake as well as when they say real-a-tor. Just thought you might like to know as a wordsmith myself. Continued success on your channel!

New York City and the state spent a lot of money remodeling the Empire State Building which had the same problem. It's worked, now fully occupied. Old buildings not only don't fit new needs, it's very hard to make them fit.

Heavens, lets not hope they are considering the wrecking ball. I hope the city of NY learned a lesson from the blooper they pulled with the old Pennsylvania Railroad station when the tore that down. Jim Hatboro, PA

You will be happy to know it's not going anywhere, @itshistory. There will be news soon, but I can assure you the exterior of the building will be left in tact.

You will never see artwork like this again..Beautiful

Wish the video had some photos of the inside, especially the office space at the "point" of the triangle; the view from those windows must be awesome!!!

I don't think it can be flattened by law. What surprises me is that it hasn't already been turned into luxury rentals or condos. Office buildings all over Manhattan and Brooklyn are undergoing this form of gentrification. I wonder what is keeping that from happening to the Flatiron. Hmmm.

There are about twenty Flatiron Buildings around the world.

In such physically limited areas as Manhatten, I think it is hard to weigh the benefits and costs between renovation and creating new modern buildings. Renovation costs are huge but so is potential profit from luxury apartments.

I walked by that building every day for years. It’s absolutely beautiful. I love it.

Beautiful building . Shame that urban renewal destroyed so many historic and wonderful buildings to make way for brutalist slabs.

Yea! No glasses. 👍🏼 Such a better, uncreepy, look.😂 Thanks for the video Ryan. Learned a bunch. (Like I always do with all your videos.) For example, I didn’t know the official name was the Flatiron. I always assumed that was the nickname. (And we all know what assuming spells. 😂) Please keep videos like this coming. Because I enjoy learning.

I have a framed print of Flatiron Bldg in my Colorado home and did HVAC projects with George A. Fuller.

Very cool video Ryan!! Love the history!!

wish more people would produce videos like you do. then again your unique so I hope they never do.

I love the flat iron building. It's iconic! We can't let it be lost. If I had one the big lottery of 1.58 billion I'd buy it and fix it up myself

Im from the UK and I've often seen this building on tv and visit America advertising.i love it's architecture. Id love to visit new York. I hope it gets used again and it definitely needs protecting 😊

fire protection, fire safety and sufficient escape routes. it is a big and expensive challenge to use the building for offices or living space according to today's security standards.

John Wick killed it

The building is old, protected and in neglected shape. A financial disaster. The electrical, plumbing, A/C, elevators, flooring, windows and much more have to be replaced. With occupation rates in the city at record lows the Flatiron is going to stay empty. Great location.

I've seen plans for this building come up for bid for redevelopment a handful of times over the past 5-years. Most folks don't know just how antiquated and small the interiors are, it needs a lot of work. Btw, because of it's age, it preceded a lot of new regulations regarding fire codes and means of egress. I remember plans showing an addition of a stairwell in the building.

As an industrial mechanic, I have repaired old equipment made by the fuller company. They made machine tools and gearboxes. This equipment is alive and well all over the world despite their nearly 100 years age.

Perhaps an AT&T wire vault or perhaps a data center...

I lived a block away from the Flatiron on 23rd Street. So iconic.

A remarķable piece...thank you...I have always wondered about this Icon of NYC...saw it once in Jan. 1981 on a Rain/snow Monday...so very Impressive...dgp/uk

Why am I not surprised that NYC could ideate housing illegals in an historic landmark! Thank God for the bathroom issue.

It's simple. People don't buy flat irons anymore. They use dry cleaing or hire immigrants.

I think that is what happened to the Penn hotel at 32nd and 7th Avenue. This was a hotel stood as a symbol way before it was popular to save these old jewels. Sadly, it met it recking ball at a time when "protecting" historical building is at it highest. But the city of New York decided that it would secretly take the payoff to tear down that emblem.

Many years ago, my dentist's office was in the Flatiron building. Great views, too.

I visited NY in 2005 and the building is such an iconic piece of architecture. So sad it was even offered to migrants, what a world we live in now.

Business ruins everything. Thats why the building is empty. Rent got way too high.

Had one in KC Kansas. Torn down. Now a small park. The park has an Iron that looks like the one in Monopoly.

Your channel is what history channel was 15 years ago. We miss your type of content

THats not the only empty building in woke york

I cant believe it took 15 minutes for you to answer this question. Its empty because of crime and taxes