Here’s the latest from the Angel Orensanz Center, the historic events space that was declared off limits last week after cracks were found in a support beam.
The Department of Buildings (DOB) has imposed a full “vacate order” on the 165 year-old former synagogue building at 172 Norfolk St. Since that time, architects and structural engineers have been evaluating the damage. A short time ago Maria Neri, the center’s events director, told us engineers are waiting on approval from the city to enter the building to conduct tests. The request was submitted to DOB this past Friday. Once they have permission to go inside, a report can be finalized and repairs will begin.
The building problems were discovered last Monday night during a benefit event for Soho Rep, the Tribeca theater company. The Angel Orensanz Center is just entering its busy season for weddings and other special events. People who have booked the facility are waiting anxiously for news about the center’s reopening.
We have a call into the Buildings Department to find out when it might give the green light to the engineers.
