A high-rise office building near Grand Central Terminal is undergoing a massive transformation into a residential complex. The building at 235 East 42nd Street, once the headquarters of pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, is under conversion to accommodate over 1,600 apartments. Gensler, the architectural firm managing the project, claims this endeavor will be the largest office-to-residential conversion in New York City’s history.
The construction process faced a significant challenge on a recent Tuesday when workers discovered a compromised steel beam on the 21st floor. According to the Fire Department, additional issues included buckling support columns and sagging floors, leading to an immediate evacuation of construction workers, nearby buildings, and a local school. This situation also resulted in road closures around the conversion site.
MetroLoft, the developer in partnership with David Werner Real Estate, acknowledged the structural concerns. They are collaborating with the Buildings Department to assess the full extent of the problems.
During a news conference on the same day, Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed that the 37-floor building remained unstable. Efforts are underway to address the structural issues and ensure the safety of the construction site.