Flatiron Building (Brownsville, Pennsylvania) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Flatiron Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 69 Market St., Brownsville, Pennsylvania |
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| Built | c.1835 |
| Part of | Brownsville Commercial Historic District (ID93000716) |
| Designated CP | August 2, 1993 |
The Flatiron Building in Brownsville, Pennsylvania is a very special and historic building. It's found in the Brownsville Commercial Historic District, a place known for its important old buildings. This unique building is owned by the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation. They worked hard to restore it and bring it back to life.
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About the Flatiron Building
The Flatiron Building gets its name from its unusual shape. It looks like an old-fashioned clothes iron! This happens because it's built on a triangular piece of land. The building stands where two streets meet at a sharp angle. This makes one end of the building very narrow and pointed.
A Historic Landmark
This building was constructed around 1835. That makes it nearly 200 years old! It has seen a lot of history in Brownsville. The town was once a busy center for coal mining and river trade. The Flatiron Building was an important part of this lively commercial area.
Who Takes Care of It?
The Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC) is a group dedicated to making Brownsville a better place. They bought the Flatiron Building and carefully restored it. Their goal was to save this important piece of history. They also wanted to create a place where people could learn about Brownsville's past.
What's Inside the Flatiron Building?
Today, the Flatiron Building is home to two interesting museums. These museums help visitors learn about the history and art of the Brownsville area. It's a great example of how old buildings can be given new life.
The Flatiron Building Heritage Center
Inside the building, you'll find the Flatiron Building Heritage Center. This center is like a time capsule for Brownsville. It has many old items and displays from the town's busiest times. You can learn about the important coal and coke industries that shaped Brownsville. These industries were very important for the town's growth and economy.
The Frank L. Melega Art Museum
The building also hosts the Frank L. Melega Art Museum. Frank L. Melega was a local artist. He was known for his paintings, sculptures, and commercial art. His artwork often showed the daily lives of coal miners. This museum helps you see what life was like for people working in the mines. The museum also shows new art from local artists. This means there's always something new to see!
