One of New York’s most eye-catching skyscrapers is facing complaints from residents over ‘thousands of severe cracks’

Completed in 2015, the 432 Park Avenue residential skyscraper is one of the newer buildings on Billionaire Row in Manhattan.

The building is widely seen as a feat of engineering, as it is very slim for a building of that height, only made possible by several floors left empty to allow the wind to pass through.

The Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly designed the building, which was financed and developed by CIM Group and Harry B. Macklowe.

The luxury building sits across from Central Park, providing residents with gorgeous views of New York City’s largest green space.

Less than a decade since construction wrapped up, residents who paid upwards of $18.4 million for their apartments began to report serious defects.

Residents bring the building’s developers to court

In early May, the New York Times reported that residents have filed a new lawsuit against CIM Group and several other development and engineering firms involved in the construction of the building, accusing them of “deliberate and far-reaching fraud” that has led to the building’s rapid deterioration.

According to the report, the developers were aware of cracks in the building’s facade but chose not to disclose this information to buyers or city officials. While these cracks compromise the building’s appearance, they also raise serious safety concerns.

The lawsuit claims that during construction, cracks appeared in the concrete columns, but the developers ignored warnings and recommendations from engineers and architects and proceeded with the project anyway.

The plaintiffs also allege that the developers tried to conceal the damage using superficial patches and coatings, but these efforts failed. They also brought in external consultants who proposed more comprehensive solutions, which were rejected due to concerns about delays and increased costs.

CIM Group has denied all allegations and stated that it plans to seek dismissal of the lawsuit.

The building, marketed as an ultra-luxury complex, opened in 2015 and attracted high-profile buyers, including celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and international investors.

The problems started soon after residents began moving in

A 2016 report uncovered thousands of defects, many classified as safety hazards, including large holes, unrepaired cracks, and falling debris. The report also revealed that the developers failed to notify the city’s Department of Buildings about these issues, as the law requires.

The homeowners’ association is now seeking over $165 million in damages. Defense attorney Terrence Oved argues that the cracks were not the result of oversight but part of a calculated effort to conceal structural problems for financial gain.

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