Manhattan structural failure forces evacuation of Episcopal Center and nearby skyscraper

A structural problem was discovered in a 37‑story former Pfizer office at 235 E. 42nd Street in Manhattan that is being converted into residential units. Two columns buckled and multiple floors sank, prompting the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) to evacuate the adjacent Episcopal Center at 815 Second Avenue and several surrounding buildings on the morning of July 8, 2026. FDNY officials reported deformation of structural steel beams on the 21st floor and continued movement of the building until the site was secured. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the situation was under monitoring and that no further movement had been observed since the initial incident.

The developer, MetroLoft, which is overseeing the conversion project with David Werner Real Estate, described the issue as a “construction mishap” limited to the two compromised columns. Union activists have staged protests outside the site, accusing the developer of using sub‑standard contractors. City officials are investigating the cause of the failure while the evacuated tenants remain displaced pending safety clearance.