News Summary

• DOB engineers determined that the work underminded multiple structural steel columns in the basement of the building and removed bracing that was necessary for the building's stability..
• Firefighters responded to the wall collapsed Wednesday afternoon which left a hole in the side of the building.Video from the partial collapse showed a hole in the side of the building where one can see inside..
• Engineers from the DOB concluded that it would not be safe to allow construction workers back inside due to the risk of collapse.The building's owners are planning to start the demolition work after the weekend..
• "Unfortunately, the chimney collapse as well as illegal unpermitted construction work found inside the building have significantly destabilized the structure..
• The work being done without the approved plans or permits featured a major gut renovation that included new steel l-beams, steel joints and a steel staircase..
• A plywood barrier around the building was also damaged when the bricks fell..