Would you pay $58.5m to live in this iconic New York building?

The Flatiron Building - with its unique triangular shape, narrow prow, ornamental columns and intricate decorative details - has been one of the most recognisable structures in New York City for more than a century.

But for the last seven years, the Flatiron has been shrouded in scaffolding, its Beaux-Arts exterior hidden from throngs of tourists who came to view it.

It has been undergoing a large-scale renovation, both internal and external, from an awkwardly laid-out office building into ultra-luxury apartments - with new units going for up to $58.5m (£43.9m). Only 21 residences currently on the public market or under contract in New York City are priced higher, with the top spot occupied by a $128m (£96.1m) condo off Central Park, according to data compiled by Manhattan Miami Real Estate.

Now, with its transformation nearly complete, the Flatiron is ready for its next - and most extravagant - phase of life.

For over 120 years, the building has been a testament to architectural ingenuity, and while that history is highlighted in its redevelopment, the building is also becoming a symbol of just how expensive the city's luxury apartments can get.

The Flatiron Building, seen here in 2023, was covered in dark scaffolding for years

The Flatiron Building's renaissance harkens back to when it was originally built.

Completed in 1902, the building was an architectural marvel with a pioneering steel-frame construction making it one of the city's first skyscrapers.

Designed by architect Daniel Burnham to fit onto a wedge-shaped plot of land at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue, it was initially dubbed "Burnham's Folly" because locals feared that its height and thinness would cause it to blow over.

For years, tourists flocked to a small triangular park out front to snap a selfie with the full structure behind them.

But after the scaffolding went up and the pandemic hit, the park saw a slight drop in visitors, said James Mettham, president of Flatiron NoMad Partnership, a business improvement district that operates the park space.

As the scaffolding has come down, he says the visitors have returned.

"People are coming back to get their pictures, and then in turn will go shop at the local retail, and all the great food and beverage that's around here," Mettham said.

"So getting it back in all of its glory to complement everything that's been going on around it is really important."

Originally built to house the Fuller Company, a Chicago construction firm, the 24-storey, 94m (307ft) tall building has had many occupants, including clothing an