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Engineers Flag Widespread Façade Damage at 432 Park Avenue as Legal Fights Stall Repairs

The deterioration points to aesthetic-driven design choices that prioritized appearance over resilience.

Overview

  • Independent engineers and court records cited by the New York Times describe hundreds of façade cracks and missing concrete that signal loads beyond what the tower was designed to handle.
  • José Torero of University College London says a ten-year-old structure should not exhibit this level of deterioration.
  • Residents report recurring leaks, frequent elevator failures and pronounced swaying on windy days, while developers maintain the building remains safe.
  • The condominium board has filed two lawsuits alleging defective construction and concealment, and the disputes are delaying invasive structural remediation.
  • Experts warn that without a costly repair program the tower could become uninhabitable and pose risks from falling material, with regulators continuing oversight through mandated façade inspections.