A section of the former St. George Hotel's marquee collapsed yesterday morning at the Clark Street subway station entrance on Henry Street. The incident took place above the station, which has been in operation since 1919, prompting the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to temporarily reroute 2 and 3 train service. According to a report by Gothamist, the steel beams supporting the structure were found to be significantly corroded, contributing to the collapse. The City Department of Buildings is currently assessing the structural condition of the site, including another nearby marquee on Clark Street showing signs of deterioration.
Brooklyn Heights commuters may notice the absence of a long-standing structure, while safety concerns have increased following the collapse. Councilmember Lincoln Restler described the condition of the Clark Street subway station as "grimy," remarks made two days before the incident during a tour with NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow, as detailed by ABC7 New York. The Henry Street entrance was initially closed, and the entire station is currently inaccessible as inspections continue, with no confirmed timeline for reopening. The station’s dependence on elevators for platform access and limited accessibility for wheelchair users are factors under review as part of the broader infrastructure assessment.
No injuries were reported, despite the potential for harm had the collapse taken place during a busier time. "I'm just so grateful that we avoided a catastrophe today," Restler told ABC7 New York. "If that marquee had fallen on any other day at 7 a.m., we would have lost neighbors." Restler has raised previous concerns regarding the landlord's maintenance of the building, which includes several dormitories for college students and also houses small businesses that have struggled with the station's upkeep and temperatures during summer months.
Passersby and nearby residents are raising questions about whether the incident could have been prevented and if the recent mild earthquake may have been a contributing factor. While the structure had stood for over a century, the timing of the quake in relation to the collapse has drawn attention. However, the City Department of Buildings identified a "poorly maintained structural beam," indicating that ongoing deterioration was the more probable cause. Claudia Ordonez, a local resident, expressed relief that the collapse occurred in the early hours, when pedestrian traffic was low, as mentioned by ABC7 New York.
As investigations continue, the MTA’s decision to bypass Clark Street station is affecting regular commuter access and has prompted further examination of infrastructure maintenance and public safety. Educational Housing Services, the current owner and operator of the entrance and marquee areas, may face additional review as details are confirmed and efforts to address potential safety concerns proceed.
