Sidewalk Clock – 200 Fifth Avenue

Designated: August 25, 1981

*Introduced in the 1860s, cast-iron street clocks were popular both as everyday conveniences and as novel advertising devices. A small business concern that stayed in the same location year after year would buy a street clock and install it directly in front of the store, often painting the name of the business onto the clock face. When the business owners moved, they usually took their clocks with them.

The double-faced clock with “Fifth Avenue Building” marking its dial is one of the most ornate of New York’s castiron street clocks. It is composed of a rectangular, classically ornamented base, and fluted Ionic column with Scammozzi capital. The two dials, marked by Roman numerals, are framed by wreaths of oak leaves and crowned by a cartouche. The gilded cast-iron masterpiece was manufactured by the Hecla Iron works.

The clock is an Individual Landmark located within the Ladies’ Mile Historic District.

*Excerpt from the Landmarks Preservation Commission Sidewalk Clock – 200 Fifth Avenue Designation Report

STATUS Designated Individual Landmark

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Flatiron District

The Flatiron District is the neighborhood surrounding the Flatiron Building. The Ladies' Mile Historic District is located in the Flatiron District.

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