Midtown High-Rise Stabilizing After Emergency Response

Officials from the city’s Department of Buildings are optimistic that a buckled high-rise in Midtown, which faced a potential collapse, is now “becoming stable” following a night of emergency reinforcement work.

Teams managed to secure the 37-story former Pfizer headquarters, located on East 42nd Street near Second Avenue, which allowed for a reduction in the previously evacuated “frozen zone” surrounding it, according to Department Secretary Ahmed Tigani.

“We’re confident that our emergency shoring measures, developed in collaboration with building owners and experts, are making a difference,” Tigani shared during a press update.

This high-rise, transitioning from commercial to residential use, was urgently evacuated along with eight nearby buildings during the busy morning rush. Nine blocks were closed off as city officials scrambled to prevent a disaster.

To ensure safety, independent engineers were brought in to monitor the situation, particularly since some beams appeared severely compromised. Emergency supports like posts and jacks were installed to help stabilize weakened parts of the building.

Tigani mentioned that these shoring efforts are only a stop-gap measure. Longer-term plans are necessary to fully address the risks associated with the buckling structure.

New steel reinforcements were also added to enhance stability. “We need to ensure that workers and materials can be positioned safely,” he noted.

Throughout the day, movement inside and outside the former Pfizer building was closely tracked, and as of Tuesday night, no new unsettling activity had been observed.

“Should any movement occur, we have protocols ready to quickly evacuate personnel for further evaluation,” Tigani explained. “But right now, everything is stable and secure.”

While some partial evacuation orders have been lifted, East 42nd and 43rd Streets remain closed to vehicles.

Traffic and pedestrian restrictions that were previously in place within the frozen zone have largely been eased, the chief added.

Tigani stated that traffic will gradually be redirected back onto Second and Third Avenues, with Department personnel on-site to oversee the situation.

Currently, full evacuation orders still affect four buildings: 815 Second Ave., 235 East 43rd St., 321 East 43rd St., and 225 East 43rd St. The restaurant at 217 East 43rd St. has a partial order, while residents can return to the upper floors.

Other buildings that were evacuated earlier have now been cleared for reoccupation.

Though it’s unclear when the building will be fully stabilized, Tigani reassured residents that the city is actively working to ensure safety and mobility throughout the neighborhood.

“We haven’t observed any new movement, which is encouraging. Our decision to lessen the frozen zone indicates that it’s safe to relax some restrictions,” he concluded.