Temporary Shoring Stabilizes Midtown Manhattan Construction Site After Column Buckling

New York City officials said Tuesday night that temporary shoring installed on a Midtown Manhattan high-rise under construction has stabilized the structure after several support columns buckled earlier in the day. The building, located at 219 East 42nd Street, is being converted from office space to apartments and will add 19 floors to the existing ten-story tower.

Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani explained that emergency jacks were placed at the building’s weakest points, followed by the addition of new steel supports, allowing workers and materials to re-enter safely. While evacuation orders have been lifted for some surrounding structures, four nearby buildings remain fully evacuated and a fifth is partially evacuated, affecting only ground-floor businesses.

The incident was first reported just before 8 a.m. when the fire department received calls about structural issues. Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning Leila Bozorg said a six-person inspection team entered the building, reached the 17th floor by elevator, and observed bent columns on the 21st floor and some sagging floors, but no further movement, which she called a "very good sign."

The project, overseen by architectural firm Gensler, is slated for completion next year. MetroLoft developer Nathan Berman described the damage as a typical construction mishap, attributing the column buckling to added weight. MetroLoft has not responded to further comment requests.

Separate legal actions continue related to a 2024 lawsuit alleging a serious injury to a construction worker at the same site. The case remains active, with defendants denying liability.

City engineers, contractors and firefighters will complete a detailed assessment and develop a plan to reinforce the building and prevent collapse, Bozorg said, adding that an exhaustive investigation will determine the cause of the failure.