A. Alberto Lugo Recounts the History of NYC’s Historic Flatiron Building
A. Alberto Lugo is an experienced architect in New York City. He not only calls New York home, but he has extensive knowledge of the city’s iconic architecture.
Architecture is more than just a job to A. Alberto Lugo. He is also a passionate fan of the artform with considerable breadth and depth of knowledge about the architecture of New York City.
“NYC’s Top 10 Modern Architectural Must-Sees” by A. Alberto Lugo
As a testament to his love of New York’s architecture, A. Alberto Lugo has released expert reviews of “NYC’s Top 10 Modern Architectural Must-Sees.” To him, the New York skyline is simply unrivaled, and no other modern city in the world has the same unique combination of structural landmarks and important buildings.
Of course, A. In his article, Alberto Lugo mentions world-famous stalwarts such as the Empire State Building. But he also shines the spotlight on lesser-known gems such as the “imposing” One Court Square. Located in New York City’s Meatpacking District, One Court Square is the only metropolitan-area skyscraper standing outside Manhattan.
A Brief History of New York City’s Flatiron Building
Another building on A. Alberto Lugo’s shortlist is Fifth Avenue’s unmistakable Flatiron Building. He calls this uniquely slender structure “one of New York’s most iconic buildings.”
The lot upon which the Flatiron now stands passed through several owners in the 1800s before Fuller Company CEO Harry S. Black purchased it in 1901 for roughly
$2 million. Renowned for its ability to build immense structures, the Fuller Company was the first general contractor to handle all facets of building construction, except for architectural design.
- Alberto Lugo says that the Fuller Company would erect a building on the property to honor its founder and “father of the skyscraper,” George A. Fuller. He had passed away two years earlier. CEO Black commissioned Chicago architect Daniel Burnham to design this building. Of course, Burnham approached the project with unique flair, creating a wedge-shaped structure that many would liken to a cast-iron clothes iron.
Completed in 1902, this structure was christened the “Fuller Building.” It was one of the tallest buildings in New York and one of just two skyscrapers north of 14th Street. Locals immediately began calling the building the “Flatiron,” and the name has since become official. Furthermore, the entire neighborhood is officially called the Flatiron District in honor of its signature building.
Both iconic and beloved, the Flatiron is a true New York treasure. An official municipal landmark since 1966, it made the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 and became a designated National Historic Landmark in 1989. People worldwide will recognize the Flatiron from Hollywood films that range from The Usual Suspects to Spider-Man.