Sidewalk clock at 200 Fifth Avenue

Sidewalk Clock at 200 Fifth Avenue
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
New York City Landmark  No. LP-1172
The sidewalk clock at 200 Fifth Avenue
Location	200 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan, New York City
Coordinates	40°44′31″N73°59′22″W / 40.7420°N 73.9894°W / 40.7420; -73.9894
Built	1909
Architect	Hecla Iron Works
Architectural style	Beaux-Arts
NRHP reference No.	85000927
NYCL No.	LP-1172
Significant dates
Added to NRHP	April 18, 1985
Designated NYCL	1981

The Sidewalk Clock at 200 Fifth Avenue is a historic cast-iron street clock located in the Flatiron District of Manhattan, New York, United States. Installed in 1909 by the Hecla Iron Works, the clock is an example of Beaux-Arts design. It was designated a New York City Landmark in 1981 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 18, 1985. ^{[1] [2]}

History

The clock was installed in 1909 in conjunction with the construction of the Fifth Avenue Building, now known as the Toy Center, located at 200 Fifth Avenue. Manufactured by the Hecla Iron Works, the clock was designed to complement the Beaux-Arts architecture of the building. The clock features a fluted Ionic column topped with a double-faced dial, each face adorned with Roman numerals and encircled by oak leaf wreaths. The dials display the name "Fifth Avenue Building," reflecting the original name of the adjacent structure. ^[3] The clock had replaced a previous clock installed by the Fifth Avenue Hotel. ^[4]

The clock was restored over an 8-month period^{[ when? ]} by the Electric Time Company. ^[5]

Design and features

At approximately 19 feet (5.8 m) tall, the clock exhibits intricate Beaux-Arts detailing. Its base is rectangular with classical ornamentation, supporting a fluted Ionic column that rises to a capital inspired by the work of 16th-century Venetian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi. The double-faced clock dials are framed by oak leaf wreaths and crowned by a cartouche. Originally gilded, the cast-iron clock was both a functional timepiece and an advertisement for the Fifth Avenue Building. ^[6]

Preservation

Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designated the clock as a city landmark in 1981. Subsequently, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 18, 1985, as part of the thematic resource nomination for sidewalk clocks in New York City. These designations have helped ensure the preservation of the clock as an integral part of Manhattan's urban landscape. ^{[1] [2]}

See also

• List of New York City Designated Landmarks in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Manhattan from 14th to 59th Streets

References

1. "Sidewalk Clock, 200 Fifth Avenue" (PDF). New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. 1981. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
2. "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form". National Park Service. April 18, 1985. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
3. "Sidewalk Clock – 200 Fifth Avenue". Historic Districts Council. March 12, 2019. Retrieved April 3, 2025.
4. "Turning Back the Hands of Time". Flatiron NoMad. October 26, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
5. Erb, Tom (November 10, 2011). "Street Clock Restoration for an Iconic Piece of New York City -". www.electrictime.com. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
6. "The Magnificent 1909 Cast Iron Street Clock at 200 Fifth Avenue". Daytonian in Manhattan. November 9, 2010. Retrieved April 3, 2025.

External links

• Historic Districts Council: Sidewalk Clock – 200 Fifth Avenue
• National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form