1608 1st Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10028

The 43-story, 180-unit building at 1608 1st Avenue, constructed in 1994 and currently owned by Christopher Schmidt, has experienced several significant issues in recent years. Most notably, there are recent concerns about construction lead dust affecting apartments, with a complaint registered in June 2025 that remains in progress. The building has faced recurring heat and hot water issues, with complaints in December 2024 and January 2025, though HPD was unable to gain access for inspections. Multiple complaints regarding unsanitary conditions and mold were filed between late 2024 and early 2025, with HPD inspections being inconclusive in confirming violations.

The property has undergone exterior work that generated multiple complaints, resulting in several Department of Buildings Construction Safety Compliance violations in January 2025, though these violations were subsequently served. Environmental Control Board violations from August-September 2024, involving issues of dust control and failure to comply with tenant protection plans during facade work, incurred penalties totaling $12,500. The building's maintenance history shows attention to various issues, with most Housing Maintenance Code violations being closed, including problems with doors, ventilation, and various apartment maintenance concerns. Recent rodent activity has been documented throughout 2024, with multiple baiting efforts recorded between March and July 2024.

The building has maintained proper bedbug reporting protocols, showing zero infestations in recent years. Previous years' records indicate occasional bedbug issues in 2018-2019, but these were addressed. The property has also had some administrative violations related to energy efficiency score displays and the filing of certain reports, though these appear to have been resolved or dismissed. Regular inspections have shown mixed results, with some minor violations recorded but generally being addressed through normal enforcement processes.