LITTLE ITALY, MANHATTAN (WABC) — A landmark building in Little Italy was ordered to be demolished Wednesday after its exterior brick wall partially collapsed.
The Department of Buildings found that “illegal” and unauthorized construction work on the ground floor and basement of the four-story commercial building at 188 Grand Street “significantly destabilized the structure.” , announced that it has now placed an order on the property. The owner will demolish the building.
“Our national engineers have determined that the damaged building poses an immediate danger to the public and have ordered the property owner to begin preparations for emergency demolition of the entire building to prevent it from collapsing uncontrollably. ” the DOB said. statement.
A DOB spokesperson said the contractor had received permits for electrical work to upgrade electrical panels in the basement, partial removal of non-load-bearing partitions on the first floor, and some other minor work. He said that illegal construction was being carried out. Extensive gut renovation including demolition of the first floor interior and installation of new steel I-beams, steel joists and steel stairs.
The work damaged several structural steel columns in the building’s basement and removed existing bracing needed for stability.
Due to the risk of internal collapse, it is not safe to allow construction workers to return to the building to perform stabilization work, the DOB said.
The construction work was performed by the contractor without an approved engineering plan, DOB approval, or DOB work permit.
The department is asking property owners’ contractors to extend the perimeter of construction fencing around buildings to create a “safety zone,” and to install sidewalk sheds and overhead fences to protect people from possible falling debris. Ordered protection to be installed.
Temporary emergency stabilization work has also been ordered to the outside of the building to prevent further damage to the building from storms that are expected to hit this weekend.
The building was once home to the iconic Areva Dairy, which operated with 130 people until closing in March 2023.
“It’s a neighborhood that was built historically as a slum. It’s got tenement houses and everything. It’s a neighborhood that was built as much as the beautiful little tenement houses of the Upper East Side or the mansions of the Gilded Age. Is it worth it?” said Billy, a tour guide in New York City.
A block away, Benito’s One is a family-owned restaurant that’s been open since 1968 and the wine flows freely. It has been the heart of Little His Italy for decades, but the owners say their main concern is that the area will be deemed unsafe and patrons will stay away.
“The street is open. As you can see, people are walking around. People are eating here. On the other side of the dining room, we’re full,” owner Anthony Romano said.
The property owner’s contractors are expected to begin demolition work after the weekend, the DOB said.
Residents expressed concerns about what would replace it.
“Hmm. I just hope they don’t build a high-rise building,” said resident Mike Killmon.
Also read | Retaining wall collapses behind Brooklyn auto repair shop
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