NYC Investigation Launched After Manhattan High-Rise Columns Buckle During Conversion Project

New York City’s Department of Investigation has opened an inquiry into the structural failure at a Manhattan high-rise where columns buckled earlier this week, forcing workers to evacuate and officials to close nearby roads and establish a collapse zone.

The building, a former Pfizer headquarters on East 42nd Street, is being converted into apartments by developer MetroLoft. The company said faulty column supports carrying too much weight caused two columns to bend after additional floors were added during the renovation.

MetroLoft founder and managing principal Nathan Berman said the project added 18,000 square feet across 15 upper floors, creating additional stress on the structure. He said the columns were not properly reinforced or may have been missed during the reinforcement process.

City officials said the building was stabilized after emergency crews installed steel supports and jacks. A third-party engineer has been hired to conduct a forensic evaluation to determine what caused the failure.

The investigation will include reviews of construction documents, witness interviews and available photos and video evidence. The Department of Investigation, the city’s independent watchdog agency, examines potential fraud, misconduct and other issues involving city projects and contractors.

Workers helped trigger the evacuation after spotting warning signs. Sean Dow, a shop steward with Steamfitters Local 638, said he noticed cracks on the 22nd floor before seeing the columns begin to bend.

The incident has renewed questions about safety during office-to-residential conversions as New York works to address its housing shortage. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said such projects are important but emphasized that safety and accountability must remain a priority.

Officials have not announced whether any penalties or legal action will follow. The investigation remains ongoing.

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