239 East 28th Street, Manhattan, NY 10016

The 20-unit, 6-story Old Law Tenement at 239 East 28th Street in Kips Bay, owned by Nicholas Donovan, has experienced several significant maintenance issues in recent years, particularly throughout 2023. Most notably, there have been multiple reports of mold and pest-related unsanitary conditions, with emergency complaints filed in July and August 2023, and additional violations noted in September 2023. The building has also faced infrastructure challenges, including electrical issues (no lighting in July 2023, wiring problems in October 2023), plumbing concerns, and flooring defects.

The property underwent a Department of Buildings inspection in late 2023-early 2024 that revealed several maintenance violations in apartment 3C, including mold presence, electrical wiring issues, broken fixtures, and an unauthorized partition alteration. The building's history shows some structural concerns, including a 2019 inspection that noted facade cracks and issues with the front staircase, though these were eventually resolved with a penalty. Complaints about illegal hotel conversions in 2018 were recorded, though the outcomes suggest compliance actions were initiated.

More recently, the property has passed rodent inspections in 2023 and 2025, though a rat sighting was reported in October 2023, which was followed by an inspection that found only minor violations. The building's bedbug reporting from 2021 through 2024 indicates no infestations during the specified reporting periods. While many of the 2023 complaints were resolved without violations being issued, the frequency and nature of the unsanitary conditions and maintenance issues throughout 2023 suggest ongoing challenges with building upkeep.