Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Steel Columns Buckle, Evacuations Ordered at Midtown Loft

7/11/2026

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Two steel columns on the 21st floor of 235 East 42nd Street buckled on July 7, causing sagging.
The failure prompted evacuation of nine nearby buildings, street closures and emergency shoring of floors 9–23.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said the building is stable after shoring.
The city issued an order while Metro Loft will replace the façade, slabs and steel on cantilever, affecting fewer than 30 apartments.

History

Historical Context

After the 1970 Manhattan structural collapse killed three workers, the city enacted its first mandatory façade inspection ordinance, costing owners about $45,000 per building and requiring quarterly audits. The ordinance, overseen by the Department of Buildings and the mayor’s office, arose amid the 1970s fiscal crisis that threatened New York’s solvency. Today’s column failure at 235 East 42nd Street revives that legacy of enforced safety.

1 of 2

Story summary

Two steel columns on the 21st floor of 235 East 42nd Street buckled on July 7, causing sagging.
The failure prompted evacuation of nine nearby buildings, street closures and emergency shoring of floors 9–23.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and DOB Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said the building is stable after shoring.
The city issued an order while Metro Loft will replace the façade, slabs and steel on cantilever, affecting fewer than 30 apartments.

1 / 2