Unstable Midtown High-Rise

Workers began emergency shoring Tuesday evening at 235 East 42nd Street after two interior support columns buckled and floors sagged during the former Pfizer headquarters’ conversion into apartments. More than 100 fire and EMS personnel responded just before 8 a.m. to reports of falling bricks, prompting evacuations of nearby buildings and street closures. City officials said the tower remained unstable and could collapse as contractors installed temporary supports and monitored movement. The Department of Buildings filed a complaint accusing the developers of excavation beyond or contrary to approved plans.