210 Bowery Decapitated and Given Metal Braces for Stabilization

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It’s been two weeks since excavation work for a new elevator housing at 210 Bowery destabilized the building and subsequently injured two construction workers. A full stop-work order was quickly served and remains in place. Even during the emergency demolition activity.

An emergency detachment of contractors and inspectors from the Department of Buildings spent the past couple weeks onsite to address structural stability concerns. Or, in layman’s terms, the structure was decapitated and fully hollowed out. Metal braces were also installed to protect the adjacent properties, two of which date back to the early 1800s (but somehow aren’t landmarked).

We learned that the crew stashed six tanks of “compressed gases” onsite without the proper permits from the Fire Department. There was also electrical work done without permits..

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Meanwhile, the Andrew Edlin Gallery is now permitted back at its forthcoming 212 Bowery digs. The vacate order is apparently rescinded, as the sparse showroom will host its postponed performance event with Brent Green tonight. Build-out will begin in the coming weeks. No updates regarding the trendy modelFIT gym upstairs.

This whole fiasco can be blamed on Acadia Realty Trust, which purchased the former flophouse two years ago for $7.5 million. They were busy converting 210 Bowery into eight stories of luxury residential living. However, some out there believe this is all part of the master plan. Seems all too convenient. One concerned neighbor previously told us: “They have been digging the basement out with high powered water cannons undermining the foundations …. So they get a fine and get to build the building they want without keeping the original structure of a landmarked area.”

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The partial demolition of 210 Bowery will likely change Acadia’s plans for the final product. Before the incident, though, DOB paperwork confirmed seven full-floor units comprising 12,824 square-feet of floor area, and a single commercial space of 1,989 square-feet. Amenities included roof deck, basement storage, and seven bicycle spaces. But we’ll see what happens.