Deconstruction work resumed at the former Deutsche Bank building on May 31, after contractors on the site adopted additional safety measures to protect nearby pedestrians and buildings.
Work was halted at the 41-story office tower on May 17, when a 15-foot section of pipe fell from the building and crashed through the roof of the 10/10 firehouse next door, injuring two firefighters. The contractor, Bovis Lend Lease, and the subcontractor, John Galt Corp., were issued city Department of Buildings violations for failing to protect public safety and property.
According to the D.O.B., Bovis has agreed to exercise more oversight on the project. Most of the previous violations on the site were issued to John Galt. In addition, the contractors have installed plywood coverings around the demolition floors, to prevent future loose objects from falling.
The D.O.B. also required the Deutsche Bank project to install protective sheds over the sidewalk on Greenwich St., where tourists often walk to visit the firehouse’s 9/11 memorial plaque, as well as on the roof of the firehouse itself. While the sheds and shoring are under construction, no pedestrians will be allowed on Albany St. near the 130 Liberty St. site during construction hours. According to the Department of Transportation, the pedestrian restriction is expected to last another week.
The building at 130 Liberty St. was heavily damaged and contaminated on 9/11. It is being taken down to make way for a public park, a tour bus parking facility and an office tower. The D.O.B., the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (which owns the building) have all investigated the cause of the pipe accident, but none of the agencies have released their findings as yet.
— Skye H. McFarlane
