56 Ft Washington Avenue, Manhattan, NY 10032

The 42-unit, 6-story building at 56 Fort Washington Avenue in Washington Heights, constructed in 1915 and currently owned by Joseph Fessel, has experienced numerous maintenance and safety issues over recent years. Most significantly, there are ongoing concerns regarding building maintenance as evidenced by multiple HPD inspections in March 2025 that resulted in violations for window frames, wall and ceiling conditions, and water leaks. A series of complaints from 2025 regarding heat and hot water issues, along with documented water leaks and paint/plaster problems, indicate continuing maintenance challenges.

The elevator system has been a recurring issue, with multiple complaints from 2020 through 2025 showcasing problems with service continuity and safety features, including inoperable door zone restrictors and defective buttons, resulting in significant ECB violations and penalties. The building has faced various inspection and compliance challenges, including documented rat activity in multiple inspections between 2022 and 2025, suggesting ongoing pest control issues. Housing Maintenance Code violations from 2024 specifically identified issues in Apartment 26 regarding defective plaster surfaces, electrical outlets, and plumbing fixtures, while Apartment 6 was noted for water leak problems.

Recent electrical concerns were documented in June 2025, and there are active violations related to paint and plaster conditions in multiple areas. The building's history shows a pattern of maintenance issues requiring attention, as evidenced by both HPD complaints and Department of Buildings violations over several years, including multiple instances of failed elevator service between 2020 and 2025. While there have been efforts to address some of these issues, as indicated by closed violations and permits issued for various repair work, the frequency and nature of these problems suggest ongoing building maintenance challenges.