By today's
standards the triangle-shaped, seven story Flatiron Building
wouldn't rate as a skyscraper but when built in 1907 by Dr. Bacon
Saunders it was the tallest building in North Texas. Dr. Saunders, a
well-traveled physician with a knack for
business, got the idea for the novel office building on a trip to
New York, where he saw the original Flatiron Building at 23rd Street
and Fifth Avenue.
Flatiron Buildings were built around the turn of the century to
make use of the grid corners created by the street planning of that
era. Today such structures are revered as historic landmarks.
Outstanding restored Flatirons can be found in New
York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Chattanooga and Atlanta, as well
as Toronto and Vancouver. Fort Worth has the distinction of having
the only Flatiron Building in Texas.
Flatiron Building, New York, New York
-
 Also
known as The Fuller Building, built in 1902, designed by Daniel H.
Burnham. Located on Fifth Avenue between 22nd and 23rd Streets,
5th and Broadway. The New York Flatiron Building was the
inspiration to Fort Worth's Flatiron Building. 22 floors, 285 feet
high.
The New York landmark celebrated its centennial in 2002.
Read about its history.
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