Pfizer Building Inspector, Subcontractor Face Scrutiny

Days after buckled columns at the Pfizer building conversion sparked concerns that the project was in danger of collapse, key parties at the property are facing scrutiny over past violations.

A private firm that conducted special inspections of 235 East 42nd Street was repeatedly cited for issues at other projects, the New York Times reported. Domani Inspection Services certified the safety of high-strength bolting, steel welding and the structural stability of other alterations.

Nathan Berman’s MetroLoft Management, the developer behind the office-to-residential conversion, tapped Domani to serve as the special inspection agency, which approves technical reports and fills oversight gaps for the city’s stretched agencies.

From 2012 to 2017, however, the firm was the subject of three complaints by the Department of Buildings alleging violations such as conducting unlicensed concrete testing and failing to report a collapsed facade. Records reported by the Times show two of the cases were dismissed; the third resulted in a $1,000 fine.

It’s unclear if Domani’s inspections tie directly to the column failures reported at the project.

John McMonagle, a director at the firm, said it was “inappropriate to speculate” on what happened at 235 East 42nd as it remains under investigation.

Another company facing increased scrutiny is demolition subcontractor Northeast Service Interiors LLC. The firm and its affiliates have been subject to fines and complaints from the city, according to local outlet Documented, including a $10,000 fine last year for omitting protective netting at the project site.

Laborers Local 79 protested the hiring of Northeast Service Interiors, even using its famous inflated rat to display its opposition to the subcontractor, linked to concerns over employee exploitation and union practices.

Stephen DeFlorio, who owns the company, hung up on Documented’s request for comment. Berman defended the subcontractor against allegations.

Initial reports on Tuesday morning sparked fears of structural collapse, prompting evacuations of the construction site and nearby buildings. Berman later characterized the incident as a “freak accident” involving two specific columns, stating the building was never at risk.

Berman told Bloomberg this week that the firm plans to reconstruct 15 floors across the project, replacing the facade, slabs and steel. He said he expected shoring and stabilization to be completed within a couple of days; the project is subject to a partial stop-work order.

Metro Loft partnered with David Werner to combine two Midtown East buildings that formerly housed the headquarters of Pfizer into one residential development with about 1,600 units. Part of those plans for 235 and 219 East 42nd Street included adding floors to 219 East 42nd Street, while redesigning the building at 235 East 42nd Street.

The developers are more than two months ahead of schedule, according to Berman, meaning the repairs will put the project back on its initial timeline, which is scheduled for completion in 2027.

— Holden Walter-Warner