Opened in 1902, it’s 87 feet in width on the 22nd Street side & less than 7 feet wide at its narrowest point on 23rd Street

On the July 23, 2025 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy category was Famous Buildings. The clue given to contestants read: “Opened in 1902, it’s 87 feet in width on the 22nd Street side & less than 7 feet wide at its narrowest point on 23rd Street.”

What is the Flatiron Building?

This architectural riddle points to one of New York City’s most distinctive and photographed buildings—the Flatiron Building.

The correct response was What is the Flatiron Building?, a triangular structure located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway in Manhattan. Officially known as the Fuller Building when it opened in 1902, it quickly became known by its nickname due to its resemblance to a cast-iron clothes iron. Designed by architect Daniel Burnham, the building’s unique shape was dictated by the wedge-shaped plot of land on which it was constructed, making it a marvel of spatial ingenuity.

The building stands 22 stories tall and rises to 285 feet, which was considered a skyscraper at the time of its completion. Its dimensions are most notable at street level. On the 22nd Street side, it measures 87 feet wide, providing a broad frontage. But on the 23rd Street side, where the streets converge to a point, the width tapers to less than 7 feet, forming a sharp prow that gives the building its distinct appearance. This unusual geometry drew immediate public attention and admiration when the building opened.

An Engineering and Cultural Landmark

Beyond its visual impact, the Flatiron Building was also a feat of engineering. It was one of the first structures to be built with a steel-skeleton frame, allowing for its vertical height and unusual shape. The use of this modern construction technique enabled Burnham to take advantage of the limited plot size without compromising stability. It also paved the way for similar skyscrapers in New York City and beyond.

The building’s cultural impact has been significant. It became a subject for photographers and artists almost immediately, with early 20th-century prints capturing its dramatic silhouette. Its distinctive form helped it become a symbol of Manhattan itself and made it a fixture in films, television, and postcards over the decades. It was declared a New York City Landmark in 1966 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

A Building That Inspired the Public Imagination

When the Flatiron Building first opened, its shape sparked curiosity and awe. Crowds would gather to watch how it interacted with the city’s wind patterns, sometimes resulting in strong gusts near the building’s narrow point. Urban legends even claim that police were stationed nearby to manage groups of men hoping to catch a glimpse of women’s skirts being blown upward—a testament to the attention it commanded.

More than a century later, the building remains one of New York’s most visited and recognized landmarks. While it no longer dominates the skyline, its iconic triangular footprint continues to capture the imagination of locals and tourists alike. Its position at the crossroads of major thoroughfares also ensures it remains at the heart of city life, surrounded by modern commerce and historic architecture.

Enduring Appeal and Preservation

In recent years, the Flatiron Building has undergone various renovations to preserve its historic integrity while updating the interior for modern use. While ownership has changed hands, there has been consistent public interest in maintaining its original exterior and signature Beaux-Arts styling. Preservationists have been active in ensuring that changes respect the building’s architectural significance.

The Final Jeopardy clue on July 23 served as a timely reminder of the enduring fascination with this early skyscraper. With its striking proportions and deep roots in American architectural history, the Flatiron Building remains not only a famous building but a symbol of bold design and innovation.