Old Pfizer headquarters secured after columns collapse in Midtown Manhattan

Stabilization of New York Skyscraper Underway

A Manhattan skyscraper has begun to stabilize after concerns emerged regarding its structural integrity. Workers discovered issues with the building’s pillars, including buckling and sagging floors, prompting an emergency evacuation of the area.

Late Tuesday, officials reported that some of the evacuation orders were lifted as inspections confirmed that the damaged structure showed no signs of further movement. Residents were allowed back into several of the seven affected buildings.

“We’ve monitored the site for several hours now without any noticeable movement,” stated Ahmed Tigani, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Buildings, during a press conference.

The alarm was raised earlier that day after construction workers encountered the bent columns within the former Pfizer headquarters, an office tower from the 1970s that is now being transformed into over 1,600 luxury apartments.

Firefighters were dispatched early in the morning to evacuate nearby locations, which included schools and hotels situated in a busy area near Grand Central Terminal. Mayor Zoran Mamdani referred to the incident as “extremely serious,” emphasizing the importance of thorough inspections by engineers.

By the evening, contractors had started to reinforce the damaged columns as city officials noted that the stability of those pillars could no longer be compromised. Nevertheless, repairs are anticipated to lead to ongoing disruptions in the surrounding locations.

Fire Chief John Esposito expressed concerns about potential localized structural failures rather than a total collapse of the building. There were visible deformations in columns on the 21st floor, as well as observable cracks and sagging on various floors.

Nathan Berman, founder of developer Metroloft, commented that although the building itself may be structurally sound, the increased weight from the upper floor expansion likely played a role in the structural issues. “Ninety-five percent of the building is structurally intact,” he shared, noting the unlikeliness of the added small section leading to a major collapse.