During the morning rush hour, a Manhattan high-rise under conversion to luxury apartments experienced significant structural issues, with columns buckling and bricks falling onto the street. The building, located near major landmarks, has prompted the evacuation of nearby structures, including a school with approximately 400 children.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that all workers were accounted for and emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that the building remains unstable. Engineers are currently assessing the damage and using drones for monitoring to avoid sending personnel into the hazardous area.
The Fire Department reported that two columns buckled on the 21st and 22nd floors, causing sagging between the 21st and 26th floors. This project, led by architectural firm Gensler, is noted as the largest office-to-residential conversion in the city's history, with plans for over 1,600 units and additional stories.
The ongoing instability of the building raises concerns about safety and could have broader implications for construction practices and real estate development in the area