NYC Department of Buildings Halts Steel Work on SL Green’s 750 Third Avenue Conversion

The New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) has issued a partial stop-work order for SL Green Realty's $805 million office-to-residential conversion project at 750 Third Avenue in Midtown East. The order specifically targets steel work above the eighth floor of the 34-story property, following reports of improperly welded steel columns and other inconsistencies. This incident is the third time in July 2026 that the city has halted work on an office-to-residential conversion in Manhattan, signaling heightened scrutiny on such projects.

The increased focus on construction safety follows a near-collapse at the former Pfizer headquarters at 235 East 42nd Street earlier in the month, and cracks discovered at GFP Real Estate's 222 Broadway conversion. An SL Green spokesperson stated that an on-site condition differed from submitted plans, becoming visible only after initial preparation work. They assert there are no structural issues and are working to address the condition, anticipating no impact on the overall project schedule for the 680-unit development.

While partial stop-work orders are not uncommon—the DOB issued 7,000 in 2025—the recent incidents underscore the critical importance of meticulous planning and execution in complex conversions. Developers must ensure strict adherence to approved plans and rigorous safety protocols to avoid delays and regulatory interventions.