Building in West Village vacated after residents felt it shake

WEST VILLAGE -- The Department of Buildings issued a full vacate order for a West Village building after bricks fell off the front of the building Wednesday morning.

Officials were called to 85 Christopher Street at 10:30 a.m. by residents who felt the building shake and then saw the bricks fall from the top floors of the 6 story building.

The city issued a full vacate order so engineers could determine whether the building was structurally sound.

Christopher Street remains closed to vehicles between 7th Avenue South and Bleecker Street.

There are 22 apartments in the building. All the residents will be out for the night and a decision on when they can go back home won't be made until inspection is complete.

The Red Cross is providing housing to 4 families.