Flatiron
District, Manhattan
The Flatiron District is a small area in the Midtown area of the New York
City borough of Manhattan, and is named after the Flatiron Building. The
Flatiron Building, while not nearly as impressive in height as its neighbors, is
notable for its triangular shape. This design was necessitated by the angle of
the land that is created by the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.
Area features
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Prior to being renamed, the same
general area had been referred to as the "Photo District" due to the large
number of photographers' studios and associated businesses located there.
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Madison Square Park, a small green
area with an old-fashioned shake & burger stand, is located in this district
between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue on 23rd Street. Madison Avenue
begins in the Flatiron District at 23rd Street and runs north towards its
famous Midtown section.
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The "Toy District" is also located
in this area. A number of toy manufacturers have trade showrooms in
buildings across from Madison Square Park, and the headquarters of the Toy
Industry Association which puts on the American International Toy Fair
yearly are located here as well.
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Giving this area a bit of color
are the Museum of Sex and the Gershwin Hotel, both located on 27th Street.
The Gershwin is a tribute to the late pop artist Andy Warhol, and features
some of his art and memorabilia throughout the hotel.
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There are also many stores around
the area, such as Ann Taylor, Victoria's Secret, Club Monaco, and Origins.
