Second attempted auction of the “Iron Building” in New York

After the failure of a first attempt to sell it, the famous New York “iron building” is now up for auction on the second attempt. A second auction of the Flatiron Building is planned and likely to take place on May 23, organizers of the German news agency said.

The building in Manhattan was sold at a spectacular auction at the end of March for 190 million dollars (about 175 million euros). The winner of the auction had impersonated Jacob Garlick and was delighted. But then he failed to make an initial $19 million deposit on time. With that, his right to purchase expires.

As a result, the bidder with the second highest bid – real estate developer Jeff Gural – was awarded the right to buy the building – but turned it down. That is why the auction will be held again, according to the organizers. The first was ordered by a court after a dispute broke out between the five previous owners over the future of the building. The real estate companies GFP Real Estate, Newmark, ABS Real Estate Partners and Sorgente Group jointly owned 75 percent of the building, while real estate developer Nathan Silverstein owned the other 25.

The triangular Flatiron Building is one of New York’s most popular attractions. The approximately 90 meter high building, which has also appeared in numerous films and television series, was opened in 1902 – at the intersection of Broadway, 23rd Street and Fifth Avenue in the middle of Manhattan. Until a few years ago, Macmillan Publishers rented all 21 floors of the building, but since the move it has stood empty and is currently partially under scaffolding. (sda/dpa)