The building was once home to the iconic Alleva Dairy that was open for 130 before it closed in March 2023.
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"Like most people, I was shocked to learn about the collapse of the second floor at 188 Grand Street, the former home of my beloved Alleva Dairy, the oldest cheese shop in America," said Karen King, owner of Alleva Dairy. "Typically, on any given day there would have been dozens of people in the store buying fresh mozzarella and cannolis. Thank God, no one was hurt, and everyone is safe."
Citizen video captured bricks falling from the wall of the building at 188 Grand St. in Little Italy.
Firefighters responded to the scene around 3 p.m.
According to a preliminary report from the Department of Buildings, inspectors found that unpermitted gut renovation work was underway in the four-story commercial building's first floor, including the removal of all existing wooden floor joists.
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Inspectors found that the masonry chimney had given way, with chimney and facade bricks landing between the building and the surrounding construction fence outside the building.
They say the fence partially fell over due to the impact from the bricks.
No injuries were reported.
Con Edison has shut off gas to the building, and Mulberry Street is currently closed due to the incident.
The investigation is ongoing.
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