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In New York‘s competitive luxury real estate market, the story of 1 Seaport stands as a cautionary tale of ambitious development, cost-cutting decisions, and devastating consequences. The 60-story glass residential skyscraper, developed by Fortis Property Group with projected sales of $300 million, now leans up to eight inches off-center—a $250 million mistake that remains unfinished and embroiled in litigation.
A Promising Start
When Fredrik Eklund, star broker of “Million Dollar Listing New York,” secured the exclusive rights to sell 1 Seaport’s units in 2016, the project seemed destined for success. Within eight weeks, Eklund had pre-sold 20 units, demonstrating strong market demand for luxury waterfront properties in Manhattan’s Financial District.
Fatal Flaws in Foundation
The project’s troubles began with a critical decision: rather than using traditional pile foundations driven to bedrock—standard practice for Manhattan skyscrapers—Fortis opted for a “soil improvement” method that would save $6 million. This decision came despite warnings from engineering consultant Robert Alperstein about potential “differential settlements” in the challenging site conditions, which included Colonial-era infill and former marshland.
Tragedy and Construction Issues
The project was plagued by safety violations and construction problems. In September 2017, these issues culminated in tragedy when Juan Chonillo, a 44-year-old carpenter, fell to his death from the 29th floor. The construction company, SSC High Rise, later pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and was fined just $10,000.
The Lean Becomes Apparent
By April 2018, contractors discovered the building was leaning three inches northward. Rather than halting construction, attempts were made to correct the lean by intentionally misaligning upper floors in the opposite direction. This strategy backfired, resulting in what one lawyer described as a “banana-shaped” structure leaning up to ten inches in some places.
Financial Impact and Legal Battles
The project has spawned over two dozen lawsuits involving:
- Fortis Property Group and Pizzarotti (the construction manager)
- Buyers seeking to recover deposits
- Multiple contractors and subcontractors
- Insurance companies and lenders
Construction halted in July 2020, leaving the tower in development limbo. The structure, now under receivership, stands as a stark reminder of the risks in luxury real estate development.
Bottom Line
1 Seaport represents one of the most significant real estate development failures in recent New York history. While structural engineers maintain the building won’t collapse, its commercial viability has. The project demonstrates how seemingly minor cost-saving decisions can cascade into catastrophic financial consequences in high-stakes real estate development.
For investors and developers, 1 Seaport offers crucial lessons about the false economy of cutting corners on foundations and the importance of maintaining rigorous construction standards—especially in an era of increasingly ambitious luxury developments.
Source: The New Yorker