DOB investigating after masonry wall collapse at SoHo office building
SOHO, Manhattan (WABC) -- An investigation is underway after debris fell from a building in Manhattan on Wednesday.
The incident happened around 5:40 p.m. at a six-story building at 21 Howard St. in SoHo.
Department of Buildings officials say an 18-foot by 10-foot section of masonry wall surrounding the building's rooftop water tank collapsed, sending debris falling onto the back of the building. Debris from the collapse also broke through a skylight of an empty commercial space.
Officials say there were no injuries.
DOB inspectors and structural engineers determined that other sections of the wall around the water tank were also in disrepair, and in danger of possible collapse.
The DOB says they have issued a violation to the owners of 21 Howard St. for failure to maintain the building.
They say they have ordered the property owner to hire a professional engineer to draw up repair plans and compile a report.
In the meantime, the DOB says they have issued a partial vacate order for the fifth floor of the building, and the first floor of the building located at 261-267 Canal Street.
They have also issued a full vacate order for 19 Howard St., the three-story commercial building next door.
None of the vacated areas are apartments, and no residents have been displaced by the vacate orders, the DOB said.
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