143 West 117th Street, Manhattan, NY 10026

The three-unit residential building at 143 West 117th Street in Harlem, owned by Emeka Nwigwe, has experienced several notable issues since its construction in 1998. Most recently, in early 2025, there are ongoing concerns regarding paint and plaster conditions on the walls, as well as a heat and hot water problem in one apartment that was reported as an emergency but could not be inspected due to access issues.

The building had significant maintenance challenges in April 2022, including multiple complaints about plumbing and water supply issues, as well as heat and hot water problems affecting different units, though inspections found no specific violations for these conditions. A particularly concerning episode occurred in 2021 when violations were recorded related to the illegal conversion of a second-floor apartment for transient use, which included deficiencies in the required sprinkler system, means of egress, and fire alarm system. These violations were classified as Class A and remain active, with penalties totaling over $3,000.

While the building has maintained compliance in recent rodent inspections (all passing from 2018 through 2025), there are open violations from 2023 and 2024 regarding bedbug reporting requirements under the Housing Maintenance Code. The Department of Buildings has issued various citations between 2021-2022 regarding failure to maintain building codes, though some violations were later dismissed or downgraded. A permit related to electrical work was issued in August 2022, indicating some level of ongoing maintenance or improvements to the property.