Flatiron Building (Fort Worth)
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Note: There are several buildings referred to as the Flatiron Building.
Known in early 1900s as the tallest building in north Texas, erected in 1907 for the renowned Dr. Bacon Saunders, Dean of City Medical College; Chief Surgeon, nine railroads; acclaimed as a pioneer of medicine in Texas.
Designed by firm of Sanguinet and Staats, distinguished Fort Worth Architects, of reinforced concrete over steel frame, this renaissance revival structure was inspired by the wedge-shaped Flatiron Building in New York.
It is the oldest remaining high-rise building in Fort Worth and is the only flatiron in Texas.
[edit] History
The Flatiron Building was erected at Ninth and Houston Street in 1906-07, then the tallest structure in North Texas. Acclaimed as "a great ornament to the city," it was commissioned by Dr. Bacon Saunders (born 1855), a well-known and important physician in Fort Worth who served as dean of the Fort Worth Medical College.
Active in numerous organizations, Dr. Saunders was an influential member of the community with a number of investments which contributed to the growth of the city. Inspired by the Flatiron Building in New York City, Dr. Saunders hired the Fort Worth architectural firm of Sanquinet & Staats to design the handsome structure.
Also a community leader, Marshall R. Sanquinet (1859-1934) was among the most important and prolific architects in the state. Born in St. Louis, where he attended Washington University, he apprenticed with Thomas Walsh, architect. In 1893 he moved to Fort Worth and established partnerships with several architects, the first of which was A.N. Dawson. Later in association with Staats he established branch offices in other major cities. His firms designed and extensive number of noteworthy structures including hotels and university buildings, in addition to may outstanding commercial works.
Sanguinet was an important architect whose firm was known for quality work. In his practice he retained "men who well knew how to combine the beauty and serviceability of the older schools with the more modern phases of the present day..."
In "A History of Texas and Texans" (Chicago, 1914) Sanquinet is credited with over "one thousand office and residential blocks, thirty-five churches, of all sizes and beauty..." and several magnificent courthouses, attesting to the eminence of this important practitioner. Sadly, however, it appears that many of his important commercial structures have been lost to the wrecking ball.
For a triangular site resembling the shape of a flatiron, the firm of Sanguinet & Staats designed for Dr. Saunders an outstanding high-rise office building of ten stories, although the economy of the time dictated that it be reduced to seven. The medical offices of Dr. Saunders, including general office, laboratory, ladies' parlor, operating room and consultation room, occupied the top story. A drug store occupied the ground floor. Over the years tenants of office space included various real estate and insurance agents as well as numerous other firms.
