Mayor Mamdani says Manhattan high‑rise stabilizes after columns buckle

On July 7 2026 a 37‑story former Pfizer headquarters at 235 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan suffered buckling of two support columns on the 21st and 22nd floors, causing sagging floors and prompting the evacuation of nearby buildings, a school, the Israeli consulate and several hotels. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the structure has stabilized after emergency crews installed temporary shoring and beams on floors 18‑23, and that there has been no further movement of the building.

Fire Department Chief John Espósito said a total collapse is unlikely but local collapse remains possible. Structural engineers Ronald Hamburger and Emily Guglielmo warned the damage is severe, requiring partial demolition and at least a week of interim shoring before permanent repairs. The conversion project, which will create about 1,600 residential units by 2027, will now involve extensive reinforcement work. No injuries have been reported, but four neighboring buildings remain under evacuation orders and some street closures are still in effect while safety checks continue.