The Flatiron Building became best known for the island footprint it was built on called the Flatiron Block, a shape resembling a clothes iron.

A National Historic Landmark since 1989, the Flatiron is a functioning office building and favorite tourist photo stop. Its notoriety as a New York landmark is exemplified by it being a set location in the "Spider-Man" movies and in the opening images of "The Late Show With David Letterman."