DOWNTOWN ON | PASSPORT THE SCENE Whether you’re new to the neighbor- A go-to destination hood or a repeat “customer,” it’s not diffi- cult to discover that Flatiron is more than ever “a go-to destination.” At the heart of the neighborhood is the bow-tie—the intersection of Fifth Avenue, 23rd Street and Broadway. A healthy dose of visitors FLATIRON BY JEFF SIMMONS and workers mix with an ever-growing population of residents. t’s where the past meets the present—in the shadow of “Flatiron has everything—a central one of the most fabled buildings in New York City. Just 20 location; easy access to transportation; world-class homes, shopping, and dining; blocks south of the frenzy that characterizes Times Square exciting nightlife and a jewel of a park, I all surrounded by historical beauty,” says is the distinctive Flatiron Building, an architectural beacon Nicholas Athanail, local resident and licensed associate real estate broker with that draws countless visitors each day destined to photograph The American bistro Almond. The Corcoran Group. “I love the Flatiron its architectural ingenuity. District for its exiting diversity. It really While drawn to the neighborhood because of this 22-story has something for everyone. Being here, At the heart of the for me, always feels like I’m in the center Flatiron District is icon, once one of the tallest buildings in New York City, the bow-tie—the of ‘where it’s at.’” intersection of Fifth Adds Christopher Heywood, Senior visitors can easily be captivated by a dynamic landscape— Avenue, 23rd Street Vice President of Communications for and Broadway. the thriving Madison Square Park, cultural establish- NYC & Company, “Flatiron is one of the City’s most stylish and well-located neigh- ments including the National Museum of Mathematics, borhoods with excellent dining, shopping and culinary offerings that span the globe. and cultural opportunities.” “While this neighborhood was once primarily FOODIES REJOICE defined by the Flatiron Building, it has evolved With more than 185 food establishments, into a premier 21st century live-work-visit a culinary cornucopia unfolds at every corner. With eateries ranging from casual community,” says Jennifer Brown, who to upscale, it’s easy to take a trip around the world in less than one square mile. leads the Flatiron 23rd Street Partnership. Frequented by visitors from across the “The transformation continues to draw globe—and many from Italy itself—is the anchor culinary destination, Eataly New a diverse array of popular restaurants, York, positioned at the bustling cross- a dynamic retail environment, and roads of Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street. Packed with shoppers and diners at family-friendly activities—yet it’s a nearly all hours, Eataly offers a panoply of fresh ingredients, available to purchase place where you still feel connect- or devour onsite at its seven sit-down ed. When you step into Flatiron, restaurants. The marketplace allows one to indulge in fresh mozzarella; salumi you feel like you’ve found a and cheese; fish; pizza and pasta, and— year-round—enjoy splendid views from a new home.” rooftop restaurant. In recent years, the district has wel- The Flatiron Building, originally the comed an outcropping of new restaurants, Fuller Building, was considered to be though one of the most consistent draws a groundbreaking skyscraper. Upon completion in 1902, it was one of the continues to be the world-renowned tallest buildings in the city and one restaurateur Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack. of only two skyscrapers north of 14th The original burger-and-fries eatery is at Street—the other being the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower, one the southeast corner of Madison Square block east. As with numerous other Park. Don’t be discouraged by the line—the wedge-shaped buildings, the name queue moves swiftly, and in summer and “Flatiron” derives from its resemblance to a cast-iron clothes iron. fall you’ll enjoy the peaceful park setting. PHOTOGRAPHS: FAYÇAL AALLOUCH PHOTOGRAPHS: FAYÇAL 60 SUMMER DOWNTOWNMAGAZINENYC.COM n SUMMER 2014 61 Meyer’s reach has extended beyond sister of the Bridgehampton outpost of the Taylor, Cole Haan, Club Monaco, and Square Park offers cultural programs year- the district’s park boundaries and bur- same name—which combines French Eileen Fisher, to name a few. round. Named for James Madison, the fourth nished the neighborhood reputation as a cuisine in a casual atmosphere (and a The district has evolved into a tech president of the United States, the space barbecue-lover’s home, with mouthwater- roster of New York State craft beers). and creative hub, with an ever-expanding formally opened as a public park in 1847. ing real pit barbecue offerings at nearby Two gems not to miss while visiting number of companies like Mashable, Tum- The park underwent a substantial Blue Smoke, paired with world-class live the neighborhood are Eisenberg’s blr and eBay. At street level, Best Buy of- overhaul in the late 1990s, restoring jazz at his Jazz Standard. Sandwich Shop and Birch Coffee. The fers a sizeable display of computer, camera elements of its original 19th century A brisk walk away, Hill Country Bar- charming Eisenberg’s—which touts and phone options, while Tekserve are the design and making the park the center of becue Market, Maysville, Hill Country that it has raised New York’s cholesterol go-to Apple experts (the place to visit when neighborhood life. Now, the restored park Chicken and Hog Pit NYC provide other since 1929—is a classic Jewish deli, you need a quick repair). features lush green lawns, World’s Fair- chances for lip-smacking barbecue and known for its hot pastrami, tuna melts And if you need to give your smart- style benches and a beautiful fountain. southern food indulgence with delicacies and classic egg creams. phone a boost, a new gem along 23rd Overlooking the park at its northern such as brisket, baby back ribs, crispy Birch Coffee just moved its store a few Street is Time Warner Cable’s flagship point is the only math museum in the coun- pork shank, spicy chocolate bacon brown- doors down near Madison Avenue on East store, which has recharging stations. try, the National Museum of Mathemat- ies and red velvet cake. (And mark your 27th Street, but hasn’t lost that down- The corridor soon will have free WiFi, ics, which opened its doors on East 26th AD PAGE calendars, because every spring, Madison home appeal. The menus shift slightly an expansion of the free wireless service Street in 2012. MoMath consists of a suite Square Park and the surrounding blocks with the seasons, and locally sourced provided in the pedestrian plazas. of newly created exhibits, providing novel are home to the renowned Big Apple brews continue to be the big draw. It’s The retail landscape is extremely ways to experience the reality of math. Barbecue Block Party.) the perfect pit stop to relax or refuel while family-friendly. Children abound at Space More than a dozen other cultural attrac- Over the past few years, tremendous you traverse the neighborhood. Kiddets, which offers a broad selection tions entice visitors both young and old, growth in restaurant openings was seen of trendy designs and up-and-coming with the Baruch Performing Arts Center in the district’s northern NoMad section, designers, vintage rock t-shirts for new- providing theater, concerts and lectures year- including the NoMad Restaurant, Flat- SHOPPING HAVEN borns, funky apparel, and accessories. round and housing the National Yiddish iron Hall, The Flatiron Room, Vin Sur That range—from the upscale to the And, Abracadabra NYC is a wonderland Theatre - Folksbiene and the Alexander Vingt, Cambodian sandwich shop Num casual—is similarly evident while shopping to behold, a New York City institution String Quartet. Each year, the Sidney Pang and organic outpost Sweetgreen. in the neighborhood. The district attracts housing costumes, masks, wigs of every Mishkin Gallery offers smaller shows. Looking for breathtaking views while a healthy dose of shoppers driven by both sort. It’s not just for Halloween anymore! Among other must-see stops are sipping martinis? Visit 230 Fifth’s rooftop name-brand, big-box outlets and small- Swann Auction Galleries, a third-gener- bar and restaurant (it’s heated in colder business support. Abutting the vibrant ation family business and now the largest weather!) and penthouse lounge, which pedestrian plazas is Finland’s gift to textile CULTURAL MECCA specialist auctioneer of works on paper in rests in the shadow of the Empire State and apparel design, Marimekko. Culturally, the Flatiron district con- the world; The Peoples Improv Theater, Building. Giant umbrellas provide cover A saunter south of the Flatiron Build- tinues to flourish with a wide variety of which presents original comedic shows from rain or sun, on those hot days. ing along Fifth Avenue is a fashionista’s attractions ranging from the academic seven nights a week; and, the Museum For a cozier atmosphere, there’s the dream, as dynamic window displays to entertainment. of Sex, which presents the history and nearby American bistro Almond—the beckon customers into BCBG, Ann A seven-acre urban oasis, Madison evolution of human sexuality. n 62 SUMMER 2014 n DOWNTOWNMAGAZINENYC.COM DOWNTOWNMAGAZINENYC.COM n SUMMER 2014 63.