Problems Mount for Pencil-Thin Supertall 432 Park Avenue

The cracking and crumbling façade of 432 Park Avenue, a supertall, pencil-thin residential tower on Billionaires’ Row in Manhattan, NY, points to larger problems that engineers say could lead to mechanical systems and elevators failing, outlets including the Daily Mail reported in October. Designed by Rafael Viñoly and developed by CIM Group and Macklowe Properties, the 1,396-ft-tall structure has been home to several celebrities among other high-net-worth individuals, and its problematic elevators, which have malfunctioned, shut down during high winds and trapped residents, were part of lawsuit filed by residents last year. The skyscraper, which opened only 10 years ago, is now covered in “cracks and cavities” due to its white concrete façade that experts say is sensitive to wind and rain. Some fear the skyscraper could start raining debris on the streets below, and that the property could eventually be abandoned. According to The New York Times, the building is facing a US$160 million repair for its façade. The building’s 84 stories are served by 11 Schindler elevators.