CA, US & World
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.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
July 11, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings
A troubling history is coming to light in a Palm Desert husband’s death. 65-year old Vicky Kim is accused in the death of her husband — but prosecutors say she had previously faced several domestic violence cases involving him. The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it had secured protective orders against Kim before a judge later resolved her cases as misdemeanors, released her from custody and terminated those orders. Now, Kim is expected to be arraigned in connection with her husband’s death. Court records allege the weapon used was a flagpole.
☕️🔥 How hot is TOO hot? A new study finds that drinking scalding-hot beverages may be linked to nearly 3 times the risk of esophageal cancer—the most common type of cancer affecting the esophagus. The takeaway? Let that coffee, tea or other hot drink cool down before taking a sip. ❤️ #HealthNews #EsophagealCancer #CancerRisk #HotBeverages #Coffee #Tea #CancerAwareness #HealthyHabits #HealthTips
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. The squishy craze!
Coachella city council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism rule that ban an any Councilmember from appointing a family member or household member to the city’s commissions and committees. Tune in to our 11 p.m newscast as our @newsbyalondra breaks down the policy.
An anti-nepotism rule will be discussed and voted on at tonight’s Coachella City Council meeting - that would ban city council members from appointing their own family members or household members to commissions and committees. Tune in to our 8:30 p.m newscast and our socials and website as our @newsbyalondra brings us the latest details on that final vote.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your favorite NFL team?
A major cleanup is underway after powerful waves damaged 14 beachfront homes near Capistrano Beach in Orange County. Residents are concerned their homes could remain vulnerable without protective measures in place. Crews are clearing debris, while efforts to bring in protective boulders were delayed by high tide. #California #OrangeCounty #CapistranoBeach #CoastalWaves #Beachfront #WeatherNews