The construction project at 235 East 42nd Street, located in Midtown Manhattan, has gained attention due to its connections with individuals who have controversial pasts and the recent structural issues. Concerns arose when two columns inside the high-rise buckled last week, causing panic and evacuations in the surrounding area.
Notable Figures Linked to the Project
The companies involved with the construction have connections to figures with problematic histories. One such individual is a former city official known for bribing city officials, and a developer who previously extended a loan to Bernard Kerik.
History of the Involved Firm
A key company in question is Domani Inspection Services, responsible for oversight of the building’s transformation from office space to residential apartments. This firm was founded by Ronald Lattanzio, a former assistant commissioner at the Buildings Department in the 1980s. Lattanzio resigned amid allegations of inappropriate conduct, including cocaine-fueled parties in his office. His later conviction for bribery further complicates the firm’s involvement.
Current Investigations
The buckling incident has prompted preliminary criminal inquiries by the Manhattan district attorney’s office and the city’s Department of Investigation. While details remain under wraps, structural experts have reviewed drawings and photographs of the project, pointing out that the failed columns on the 21st floor lacked proper reinforcement. GACE Consulting Engineers, the structural engineering firm hired for the project, confirmed that their drawings specified additional support work that was not completed.
As investigations continue, the construction project’s compliance with safety standards remains in question. Officials are scrutinizing whether aspects of the structure met necessary requirements.