290 West 147th Street, Manhattan, NY 10039

The 5-story, 20-unit tenement building at 290 West 147th Street in Harlem, built in 1920 and currently owned by Ben Schwadel, has experienced a series of concerning maintenance issues over the past two years. Most recently, in May 2025, there were complaints about chemical odors and rodent activity, though inspections of these issues yielded mixed results.

Throughout 2024-2025, the building has faced multiple challenges with basic services, particularly heat and hot water, with several complaints filed regarding inadequate systems. Notably, there was a significant infestation problem in Apartment 3B during 2024, which resulted in multiple violations related to pests, mold, and maintenance issues such as broken plaster and defective doors. The building has also encountered several inspection access issues, with inspectors being unable to gain entry to conduct thorough examinations on multiple occasions, including complaints about wiring, windows, and various maintenance concerns.

Structural issues have been documented as well, including a DOB complaint from July 2024 regarding a bulging facade, which was later addressed and dismissed in early 2025. The property has shown a persistent pattern of rodent activity, with multiple failed inspections between 2023 and 2025, though recent inspections in 2025 have indicated some improvement. While there have been no bedbug reports in recent years, the ongoing maintenance and service issues, particularly regarding basic systems such as heating and pest control, suggest continued challenges with building upkeep and tenant comfort.