The Fuller Building was the center of conversions since completion due to its representation in the city of New York. It became iconic through the attention that it caught from various photographers whose works of the building made people associate it with not only new york city but also the epitome of rapid urbanisation
Its steel frame is covered in limestone and terracotta details made in the Beaux-Arts style which was commonly used in the city at the beginning of the movement in the 20th century.
It’s facade can be broken down into three parts with the first four stories (G+3) forming the base, the subsequent 13 stories forming the middle and the reminder ones at the top forming the capital.
This style is also reflected through the use of colonnades along with carved ornaments, faces, figures, flora and fauna. The Fuller building (as it was initially known) however got iconic due to its distinct shape giving it the name “The Flatiron”.
The Flatiron also gained attention for the wind currents its placement and shape created.
The wind was said to get cut as into two by the structure and come gushing down the opposite sides. These winds would set skirts and hats flying and came about to be known as the windiest corner in the city. Policemen had to patrol to this corner of the 23rd just to ward off crooks who would stand by to sight the flying skirts that would expose the ladies ankels! While doing so they would supposedly yell 23 skidoo which was an abbreviation for ordering the men to
skedaddle off (flee) the 23rd street. It is interesting to see how architecture helped introduce a term to the vocaubury of the city.