A high-rise building under construction in Manhattan remained unstable on Tuesday after two support columns buckled and multiple floors sagged, prompting evacuations of the tower and nearby structures, including a school with 400 students, officials said.
Building at Risk of Localized Collapse
The 37-story structure, located near Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building, was being converted from a former Pfizer headquarters into luxury apartments. Emergency crews responded around 8 a.m. after reports of falling bricks. Fire Chief John Esposito said the steel-framed building would likely experience a localized collapse rather than a total failure. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated at a news conference, “The building remains unstable. This is an extremely serious situation.”
Structural Failures and Monitoring
Buildings Department records show a safety manager reported a compromised steel beam on the 21st floor. Fire Department officials confirmed two support columns buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, with sagging observed between the 21st and 26th floors. The city deployed drones to monitor the structure, avoiding interior inspections. Building Commissioner Ahmed Tigani noted no evidence of debris falling but kept nearby streets closed to traffic and pedestrians. No injuries were reported, the mayor confirmed.
Conversion Project Details
The office-to-residential conversion, led by architectural firm Gensler, involves adding over a dozen stories and redesigning an adjoining tower. With more than 1,600 units, it was touted as the largest conversion in New York City history, according to Gensler. A spokesperson for Gensler did not respond to requests for comment. The project was scheduled for completion in 2027.
Stabilization Plans Underway
City officials and the project engineer are developing a plan to shore up impacted flooring. If deemed secure, engineers will enter to install emergency beams and columns. “This is a minute-by-minute assessment,” Mamdani said. “Our top priority right now is the safety of those who live and work in this area.” The building commissioner added that workers must add emergency supports to stabilize compromised columns.
