Photo: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP / Getty Images
A high-rise building on Manhattan's East Side has been stabilized after structural columns buckled, raising concerns of a partial collapse. The building, located at 235 East 42nd Street, is the former headquarters of Pfizer and is being converted into residential apartments by developer MetroLoft. On Tuesday (July 7), construction workers noticed cracks and buckling columns on the 21st floor, prompting immediate evacuations and street closures.
According to CNN, New York City officials have since installed temporary shoring to stabilize the building. The Department of Buildings Commissioner, Ahmed Tigani, confirmed that the emergency measures are effective and additional stabilization work is ongoing.
The incident led to the evacuation of several nearby buildings, including the Kennedy International School and the Israeli Consulate. While some residents have been allowed to return, others remain displaced as safety assessments continue.
MetroLoft's managing principal, Nathan Berman, attributed the buckling to the weight of new floors added during construction. He emphasized that the building's integrity is not compromised, stating, "Ninety-five percent of the building is sound and intact."
The project, which involves converting the 37-story office building into apartments, is one of the largest of its kind in New York City. However, the development has faced multiple safety complaints and violations, including falling debris and worker injuries.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani assured the public that the city is prioritizing safety and conducting a thorough investigation to prevent future incidents. The area remains under restricted access as officials work to ensure stability and address the structural issues.