Workers began installing temporary supports on the evening of July 7, 2026, to stabilize a high-rise building in Manhattan after structural issues led to the evacuation of the building and nearby properties. The 37-story building, located at 235 E. 42nd Street, was undergoing conversion into over 1,600 apartments when construction workers discovered buckling steel columns and sagging floors earlier that day.
City officials reported that engineering crews completed preparations and began installing temporary shoring to support the affected sections of the building. Structural engineers were able to enter the building after monitoring equipment indicated that the damaged columns had stopped moving, enabling the stabilization efforts to commence.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the situation as serious, noting that there had been observed movement in one of the compromised columns. Fire Department Chief John Esposito indicated that the danger was localized and did not suggest a total failure of the structure. Nine nearby buildings, including a school with approximately 400 children, were evacuated as a safety measure, and surrounding streets were closed to assess the damage. By the evening, some residents were allowed to return to their homes, while evaluations continued.
No injuries were reported, although bricks fell from the building due to the partial collapse. The cause of the structural failure is under investigation, with the building's developer, MetroLoft, cooperating with the city's Department of Buildings. MetroLoft stated that the overall structure is not at risk of complete collapse, but emergency repairs are necessary before determining the cause of the buckling columns.
The redevelopment project aims to convert the former office tower into a mixed-use residential complex, which is expected to be the largest office-to-residential conversion in New York City. The building has a history of complaints and violations, including 22 violations dating back to 2020, primarily for failing to file elevator inspection and testing reports.