Fodor's New York City 2020 by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2019-08-26T16:00:00+00:00

Flatiron District

The Flatiron District—anchored by Madison Square Park to the north and Union Square to the south—is one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods, particularly along 5th Avenue and Park Avenue South. Once known as Ladies’ Mile because of the fashionable row of department stores where women routinely shopped, the area is still a favorite for lady-spotting because of the number of modeling agencies and photography studios here. Lovely Madison Square Park, a pleasant green space hemmed in by some of the neighborhood’s most notable architecture—from the triangular Flatiron Building to the dazzling, gold-pyramid-topped New York Life Insurance Building to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Tower with its elegant clock face—is the best place to savor the view. Sit and admire the scene with a burger and shake from the park’s always-busy Shake Shack, or takeout from the mother (or “mamma mia”) of all Italian markets, Eataly, across the street from the west side of the park.

s Sights

Appellate Division Courthouse

GOVERNMENT BUILDING | Figures representing Wisdom and Force flank the main portal of this imposing Beaux Arts courthouse, built in 1899. The structure’s purpose coincides with artistic symbolism, and there are statues of great lawmakers, including Moses, Justinian, and Confucius, lining the roof balustrade. In total, sculptures by 16 artists adorn the ornate building, a showcase of themes relating to the law. A branch of the New York State Supreme Court, this court is one of the most important appellate courts in the country: it hears more than 3,000 appeals and 6,000 motions a year, and also admits approximately 3,000 new attorneys to the bar each year. Inside the courtroom is a stunning stained-glass dome set into a gilt ceiling. The main hall and the courtroom are open to visitors weekdays from 9 to 5. All sessions, which are generally held Tuesday to Thursday at 2 pm, are open to the public (call the main number ahead of time to be sure court is in session, or check the calendar on the website). 27 Madison Ave., entrance on 25th St., Flatiron District 212/340–0422 www.courts.state.ny.us/​courts/​ad1 Closed weekends 6, N, R, W to 23rd St.

Flatiron Building

BUILDING | When completed in 1902, the oddly shaped Fuller Building, as it was originally known, caused a sensation. Architect Daniel Burnham made ingenious use of the triangular wedge of land at 23rd Street, 5th Avenue, and Broadway, employing a revolutionary steel frame that allowed for the building’s 22-story, 286-foot height. Covered with a facade of limestone and white terra-cotta in the Italian Renaissance style, the building’s shape resembled a clothing iron, hence its nickname. When it became apparent that the building generated strong winds, gawkers would loiter at 23rd Street hoping to catch sight of ladies’ billowing skirts. Local traffic cops had to shoo away the male peepers—one purported origin of the phrase “23 skidoo.” There is a small display of historic building and area photos in the lobby, but otherwise you have to settle for appreciating this building from the outside. 175 5th Ave., bordered by 22nd and 23rd Sts.

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