159 West 145th Street, Manhattan, NY 10039

The six-story, 16-unit tenement building at 159 West 145th Street in Harlem, owned by Kenneth Morrison, has experienced several significant issues in recent years, particularly regarding building maintenance and safety. Most alarmingly, there is currently an active partial vacate order (as of November 2024) due to severely cracked stucco/masonry parapet walls that have rendered the courtyards unsafe for occupancy except in emergencies. Recent inspections have documented various facade-related problems, including spalling masonry, deteriorated wood, and multiple cracks throughout the exterior.

The building has also faced recurring pest issues, with unsanitary conditions related to pests reported most recently in May 2023 and December 2021, though in some cases, inspectors were unable to gain access. Safety concerns extend to missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in multiple apartments (2B and 3A) as of 2021, though some previous violations related to building safety, such as the requirement to post gas leak procedures and repair public hall tiles, have been resolved. More recent developments have raised serious concerns about building safety and maintenance. There are multiple open ECB violations from 2024 related to facade maintenance, including problems with the roof cornice, while inspections have documented rat activity as recently as July 2025.

The building has also seen substantial enforcement action regarding its facade condition, with emergency work orders issued in late 2023 due to hazardous conditions and requirements for comprehensive inspections and repairs. Despite the building's age (constructed in 1915), these ongoing issues suggest persistent challenges with maintenance and compliance. The property has undergone regular facade inspection cycles as required, though there have been multiple instances of failure to submit acceptable reports, leading to significant penalties. While there have been no reported bedbug infestations in recent years (based on official filings), the building's overall condition history raises concerns about general maintenance practices.