Big reveal! The Flatiron Building returning to its former glory as scaffolding comes down after nearly a decade
Barbara Russo-Lennon | amNY
New Yorkers and visitors can once again bask in the glory of the iconic Flatiron Building, as crews have begun shedding layers of scaffolding that kept it covered since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The NYC Landmarks and Preservation Committee (LPC) said on Wednesday that workers began removing the metal corset surrounding the historic building, which underwent a makeover that includes a new exterior, lighting and other updates as part of its conversion from office to residential use.
“We’re excited for the return of this classic NYC view,” the LPC jotted on Instagram. Based on an observation from an amNewYork reporter on Thursday, it appeared half of the scaffolding had already been removed.
The 22-story, 285-foot-tall steel-framed triangular building located at 175 Fifth Ave. opened in 1902 and became a city landmark in 1966.
An infamous lawsuittook place in 2023 among co-owners of the skyscraper that eventually led to plans being made to convert the commercial building into luxury housing.
The Flatiron Building’s 124-year history will mark another milestone this spring when the architectural marvel gets illuminated for the first time, according to reps from the Flatiron NoMad Partnership, which is based in the area. About half of the scaffolding has been taken down as of April 16; city officials say a majority will be removed by early July.
Reps from the Flatiron NoMad Partnership said spring is a perfect time to visit the “new and improved” Flatiron Building. Some activities nearby to enjoy include:
- Taking a classic photo of the Flatiron building from the spring-themed photo frame on the Flatiron North Plaza (23rd St. between Fifth Ave and Broadway).
- Visiting a 30-foot art installation by artist Charlotte Colbert called “Dreamland Sirens,” which depicts a larger-than-life metallic eyeball keeping watch over the busy district until the end of May.
- Nature events, including bike riding through a car-free Broadway on April 25.
- Seating on the Flatiron’s North and South Plazas.
- Visiting Madison Square Park, which offers a lush, quiet respite from the active Midtown district with unbeatable views of the Flatiron Building.
“The unveiling of the Flatiron Building marks a defining moment not just for our district, but for New York City as a whole. As the very namesake of the Flatiron NoMad neighborhood, this iconic landmark has long stood as a beacon for the hundreds of thousands of residents, workers, and visitors who fill our streets each day,” James Mettham, president of Flatiron NoMad Partnership, said. “Over the past several years, as work on the building progressed, so did the district—welcoming new public spaces, a growing collection of standout restaurants, and a streetscape animated by public art and year-round programming. Its return is a powerful symbol of renewal, reflecting the energy and evolution of our mixed-use community.”
