The triangular block (called here "Flatiron Block"), bounded by Broadway, Fifth Avenue, 22nd and 23rd streets, was acquired by Amos R. Eno (1810-1898), a real estate investor and capitalist, in 1850.
The old Hotel St. Germain was established in February 1856 at the junction of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, at 22nd Street (175 Fifth Avenue / 1 and 3 East 22nd Street). In 1880, it was renovated, expanded and renamed Cumberland House. Its ground floor was adapted to house offices and stores. Later, some institutions were established in the hotel, like the executive committee of one of the faction of the Republicans (1890) and the Jockey Club (1894). The rear wall of Cumberland House, facing Madison Square, was used for advertising.
The northern part of the plot was initially used as a garden for the Hotel St. Germain. Later four small buildings were erected on this part to house offices and stores.
About
the early 1901, the Cumberland, was acquired by parties interested
to erect the Flatiron Building. They formed the Cumberland Realty Company, an investment partnership created by Harry S. Black, CEO of the Fuller Company.
The Cumberland House was demolished between May and June, 1901, and the
commercial buildings on the northern part of the site were demolished before
that. The landmarked Flatiron Building was erected on
the site from about June 1901 to October 1902. More:
Madison Square
in the 19th century
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