A scaffolding blown over by heavy winds, and loaded with construction equipment, appears to have caused the collapse.
No construction workers were injured because they were not working on the building at the time of the collapse.
Three nearby businesses will be closed for safety reasons until the building is secured.
It could take up to 36 hours to secure the scene.
Meanwhile Lexington Avenue and Central Avenue were closed through the area.
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
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