Image Credit: NYC DOB.

Despite increase in developments, construction in New York City has leveled. On January 22, 2019, Department of Buildings Commissioner, Rick D. Chandler, released a report on the City’s construction in 2018. The most significant finding from the report was that the City’s construction activity has leveled off after its real estate and development boom. The number of construction permits Buildings issued decreased in 2018. In 2018, Buildings issued 165,908 construction permits while in 2017, they issued 168,243. This was the first decline in permits since 2009. Despite the decrease, 2018’s permit totals were the second highest on record. In response to the report’s findings, Commissioner Chandler states that the building boom “may have finally reached its peak.” (more…)

Revised protocols for tower cranes intended to improve safety at work sites. On May 28, 2008, the New York City Department of Buildings announced new procedures for erecting and dismantling tower cranes. The new procedures require an engineer to submit written plans that detail the erection and dismantling procedure for each and every crane he or she intends to use for construction. Upon Buildings’ approval, the engineer must then certify that he or she has inspected the crane installation, that there are no hazardous conditions at the site, and that the work is to be performed according to the plans that Buildings previously approved.

Revised protocols for tower cranes intended to improve safety at work sites. On May 28, 2008, the New York City Department of Buildings announced new procedures for erecting and dismantling tower cranes. The new procedures require an engineer to submit written plans that detail the erection and dismantling procedure for each and every crane he or she intends to use for construction. Upon Buildings’ approval, the engineer must then certify that he or she has inspected the crane installation, that there are no hazardous conditions at the site, and that the work is to be performed according to the plans that Buildings previously approved. (more…)

Edward Ridley & Sons Department Store Buildings. Credit: Christopher D. Brazee (2012).

Lower East Side department store, closed since 1901, approved for designation after adjacent property removed from consideration. On December 6, 2012, the New York City Council’s Land Use Committee voted to approve the designation of the former Edward Ridley & Sons Department Store Buildings. They voted to approve the designation after its Council’s Subcommittee on Landmark’s, Public Siting & Maritime Uses hearing on December 4, 2012.  Located at 315-317 Grand Street and 319-321 Grand Street, the buildings had been designated by the Landmarks Preservation Commission on September 11, 2012.

Ridley & Sons was established in 1848 by Edward Ridley, and grew to become the largest department store on the Lower East Side. The adjoining properties at 315-317 and 319-321 Grand Streets were commissioned by Edward Ridley’s sons in 1886 as part of the store’s expansion. The classical revival-style structures were designed by architect Paul F. Schoen. Schoen used a combination of brick, stone, and cast iron facades. 319-321 Grand Street’s rounded corner, where Grand and Orchard Streets meet, served as a major entrance and was intended to increase the store’s visibility from trolley cars traveling west from the Grand Street-Williamsburg ferry. By 1889, the store employed about 2,500 people, including many women, local residents and recent immigrants. The store closed in 1901 due to failing sales. In the early 1930’s, Allen Street was expanded and the building next to 315-317 Grand Street was demolished making it the new corner building. A new west wall was erected with tan brickwork in the Art Deco style by architect John N. Linn.

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A.I. Namm & Son Department Store and Offerman Building Designated. On March 15, 2005, Landmarks designated the A.I. Namm & Son Department Store and the Offerman Building, both located on Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn.

The A.I. Namm & Son Department Store, 450-458 Fulton Street, first opened in 1891 at 452 Fulton Street and gradually expanded in 1924-25 and 1928-29. Robert D. Kohn and Charles Butler created a modern design with a structural steel frame reinforced by concrete floors, Indiana limestone cladding and a horizontal tripartite division. In approving, Landmarks noted that the building is a significant architectural remnant of Brooklyn’s late nineteenth and early twentieth century commercial nucleus. (more…)

Image Credit: NYC DOB.

Buildings has conducted thousands of inspections since the program’s launch in 2005. On June 21, 2023, the Department of Buildings announced the return of the No-Penalty Inspection Program, which offers property owners the opportunity for a free, no-penalty visual inspection of certain parts of their property. The program encourages property owners to take proactive steps in ensuring their property is safe.  (more…)