489 Broadway, Manhattan, NY 10012

489 Broadway, a 5-story, 8-unit converted Class A building in SoHo, was constructed in 1860 and is currently owned by Harold Sheer. The building has experienced persistent maintenance issues over recent years, most notably a series of heating system problems.

In January 2024, a heat/hot water complaint was resolved through HPD intervention, following a similar incident in January 2023 when inspectors were unable to gain access to the affected apartments. The property has also faced multiple water-related challenges, with four separate complaints regarding leaks recorded between 2022-2023, ranging from heavy flow to slow leaks, some of which resulted in violations. Recent inspections in April 2025 revealed several urgent safety concerns, including issues with fire escapes, carbon monoxide detectors, window frames, and doors.

The building currently has multiple open violations from October 2023, particularly concerning apartment 4E's safety systems, including defective smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as door-related problems. Other notable historical issues include rodent activity between 2017-2019 (with recent inspections in 2022-2024 passing), and a significant building safety concern in 2021 regarding a cracked ceiling in apartment 5E related to drainage problems, which incurred a penalty. The building's management has responded to various violations, as evidenced by permit applications and repairs, though ongoing maintenance challenges suggest continued attention to basic building systems is required.