A 37-story high-rise in Midtown Manhattan, formerly the headquarters of Pfizer, has been evacuated and partially closed after structural failures were discovered during renovations. The building, located at 235 East 42nd Street, is undergoing conversion into 1,600 residential apartments. On Tuesday, construction workers reported buckled steel beams and sagging floors, prompting emergency evacuations and the establishment of a "frozen zone" around the site.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Crews worked overnight to stabilize the building after two support columns buckled on the 21st floor, causing floors to sag. The New York City Department of Buildings confirmed the building remains stable but under evacuation orders. The "frozen zone" initially spanned several blocks but was later narrowed to 42nd and 43rd Streets between Second and Third Avenues.
Deeper Dive & Context
Structural Concerns
Experts warn that the damage may require partial demolition, with risks of further collapse during stabilization efforts. Structural engineer Emily Guglielmo noted that cracked floors and buckled columns are irreversible, necessitating removal and replacement. Ronald Hamburger, who investigated the World Trade Center collapse, described the building as in "significant danger" of local collapse.
Impact on Surrounding Area
Five nearby buildings remain under evacuation orders, affecting residents, workers, and businesses. The Westin New York Grand Central Hotel and other nearby establishments have been impacted, with guests unable to access their rooms. The area is a major transit hub, with Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building nearby.
Developer Response
MetroLoft, the project developer, insists the affected area is localized and denies any risk of total collapse. The renovation, billed as the largest office-to-residential conversion in NYC history, was scheduled for completion in early 2027.
Worker Accounts
Construction workers described the scene as "super dangerous," with one noting he had never seen a beam bend in half. The addition of new floors atop the existing structure is suspected to have contributed to the structural stress.
Official Statements
New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani emphasized the priority of stabilizing the building and ensuring safety for workers and nearby residents. The city has not yet determined the full extent of repairs needed.