A 37-story Midtown Manhattan skyscraper is facing structural instability after two support beams buckled and floors collapsed during renovations. The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has accused the developer, 235 Fee Owner LLC, of conducting unauthorized construction beyond approved plans. The incident prompted the evacuation of the building and at least eight nearby structures, causing significant disruption to the area around Grand Central Terminal.

Footage revealed buckling steel beams on the 21st and 22nd floors, leading to the collapse of the 21st to 26th floors. While experts believe a full collapse is unlikely due to steel supports, city officials are monitoring the building's movement with specialized tools. The DOB has issued 22 previous violations against the property owner since 2022, some related to safety and resulting in over $39,000 in penalties.

The building, formerly occupied by Pfizer, is undergoing conversion into a 1,500-unit luxury apartment complex. Metro Loft Management, overseeing the renovations, stated that safety is their priority and confirmed no debris fell. The incident underscores the risks associated with large-scale urban redevelopment projects and the importance of strict regulatory oversight, as disruptions to nearby businesses and transportation are significant.