The fire started shortly after 5:30 p.m. on E. Houston Street between Avenue A and B.
The fire spread throughout the brick 5-story building very quickly, and completely engulfed the roof.
The building was undergoing construction and very few if any residents were living in the apartment buildings above the ground level.
Neighborhood residents say the building used to house a furniture store.
150 firefighters responded to the scene.
Eight firefighters suffered minor injuries.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
