538 West 47th Street, Manhattan, NY 10036

The five-story, 20-unit tenement building at 538 West 47th Street in Hell's Kitchen, owned by Eric Margules, has experienced a multitude of maintenance and safety issues over the past three years. The building, constructed in 1910, has ongoing challenges with water and pest management, including two instances of pest infestations in 2024 alone, with previous years showing similar patterns. As of July 2025, there are several open violations that warrant attention, particularly in Apartment 4D, where issues with water leaks, paint conditions, and door hardware have been documented since late 2023.

Apartment 2D also has pending violations related to door and electrical outlet repairs. The property's maintenance history reveals persistent issues with basic services, including multiple complaints about water leaks (most recently reported in late 2023), heating systems, and plumbing fixtures. There was a significant building-wide heat and hot water issue reported in July 2024, as well as various appliance-related problems affecting multiple units.

The building has been subject to regular rodent control measures throughout 2023-2024, with some indications of rodent activity requiring bait application. Bedbug infestations were reported in multiple units during the 2023-2024 cycle, though all identified infestations were listed as eradicated in subsequent reports. Recent inspections have revealed various unresolved violations, including those related to building systems access, electrical components, and water management, suggesting ongoing challenges with building maintenance and resident comfort.