New York shrinks ‘frozen zone’ around compromised high-rise but warns of tense days ahead as it rushes to save structure

New York shrinks ‘frozen zone’ around compromised high-rise but warns of tense days ahead as it rushes to save structure Authorities evacuated the 37-story building on Tuesday after construction workers noticed alarming signs of stress - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments New York City officials have begun easing the “frozen zone” around a compromised Midtown high-rise evacuated Tuesday, though small pockets of Manhattan remain off-limits as of Wednesday morning. Through the night, construction crews labored to stabilize the old Pfizer building at 235 East 42nd Street — located one block from the Chrysler Building — shoring up the 37-story structure amid lingering concerns about its integrity. Police cordoned off the area between East 42nd and 43rd Streets and between Second and Third Avenues, with traffic still restricted early Wednesday. Access was permitted for local residents and workers, except in buildings still under evacuation orders. In total, five buildings remained partially or fully vacated. The disruption began early Tuesday, when construction workers noticed alarming signs of stress — cracking, buckling and falling bricks — in the building, which is in the midst of being converted to luxury apartments. Fearing a partial collapse, officials ordered evacuations of the tower and neighboring properties. Among the evacuated buildings was a school with about 400 children, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said. No injuries have been reported. By late Tuesday, authorities said the structure had been stabilized. “We've been monitoring the building for many hours and have not seen any movement," Department of Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said during a press conference late Tuesday night. "Right now we have been in a consistent, stable and safe situation.” Initially, officials established a sweeping frozen zone spanning 40th to 45th Streets between First and Third Avenues. That perimeter has since been scaled back, but Tigani cautioned that “the public should not engage with that area.” This is a breaking story... Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] RESPONSE UNIT 1124