The conversion of a historical office building on East 42nd Street is set to become the largest project of its type in New York City’s history. The building, formerly the headquarters of Pfizer, is undergoing transformation into a large residential complex.
This project, situated near Grand Central Terminal, involves converting the office space into over 1,600 apartments. This effort is aimed at addressing New York’s housing needs and is managed by Gensler, a prominent architectural firm.
On a recent Tuesday, construction crews discovered a compromised steel beam on the 21st floor, heightening safety concerns. Officials noted that two internal support columns were buckling, causing several floors to sag.
Due to these safety hazards, construction workers were evacuated from the site. Additionally, nearby buildings and a school were cleared, and roads around the area were closed.
MetroLoft, along with David Werner Real Estate, is undertaking the conversion project. They released a statement acknowledging the structural issues and expressed their commitment to collaborating with the Buildings Department to thoroughly assess the situation.
During a news conference, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that the 37-story structure remained unstable. He emphasized ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the area as work progresses.
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