City Pauses Work on Yet Another Office-to-Resi Conversion
The Department of Buildings issued a partial stop-work order at 750 Third Avenue, at least the third office-to-residential conversion subject to a pause since this month’s scare at the former Pfizer headquarters.
The city called for a stop to “all structural steel work” on the ninth floor and above at SL Green’s Midtown Manhattan project, the New York Times reported. There is no structural distress or danger to the public, according to the Department of Buildings.
The stop-work order, issued yesterday, stems from steel welding that doesn’t match the filed building plans, according to the DOB.
A spokesperson for SL Green said it identified the discrepancy, which “was visible only after completing initial preparation work.” The spokesperson added there were “no structural issues” and that the firm was looking to get the order rescinded.
A contractor will need to submit an “engineer structural stability report” before the order is lifted.
SL Green is working to convert the former office building into a 680-unit residential property. Marc Holliday’s real estate investment trust has been looking to sell a 65 percent stake in the property since late last year.
It’s been an anxious few weeks for office-to-residential developers, who are facing increased scrutiny after what happened at the former Pfizer HQ on July 7.
That day, two steel columns collapsed at MetroLoft’s 37-story project at 235 East 42nd Street, triggering evacuations and fears of a potential building collapse, which did not transpire. Nevertheless, the city quickly sent building safety inspectors across the five boroughs to conduct safety reviews of construction sites.
Last week, construction work was paused at 222 Broadway, where developer GFP Real Estate is converting the 32-story tower — former home to Bank of America and WeWork — into a luxury residential building with nearly 800 units. The ongoing halt is linked to issues with a horizontal concrete beam on the roof; the developer maintains stability has never been compromised.
Additionally, there was a partial stop-work order issued at Vanbarton’s 77 Water Street, which does not appear to have been previously reported. That order, partially linked to certification issues, was lifted days later.
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