165 West 26th Street, Manhattan, NY 10001

The six-story mixed-use building at 165 West 26th Street in Chelsea, constructed in 1920 and currently owned by Shlome Reifer, has experienced significant maintenance challenges in recent months. Between January and February 2025, multiple emergency service requests were filed regarding water leaks (heavy flow), mold, electrical issues, and wall damage, though inspections for many of these complaints were unable to be completed. The building is also currently subject to several active Department of Buildings (DOB) violations, including concerning deteriorating masonry on the entire facade, spalled surfaces, cracked walls, and issues with window framing noted in 2024-2025 inspections.

Earlier violations from 2022 documented various safety issues, including requirements for proper signage regarding gas leaks and smoke detectors, though most of these were subsequently closed. Most recently, in January 2025, multiple complaints about unlicensed work were filed, resulting in several stop work orders being issued. The building's elevator has had a history of requiring attention, with violations noted in 2019 and 2018 inspections.

While the building has maintained a clean record regarding bedbugs in recent years (2020-2024), with no reported infestations, and passed rodent inspections in 2010-2012, the current pattern of maintenance issues suggests ongoing challenges with building upkeep. An external inspection in 2018 noted specific elevator maintenance and labeling issues, though these were resolved. The property has also been subject to various building code compliance requirements over the years, including emergency response notification requirements and carbon monoxide detector notices.