When row houses are built, they are supposedly designed and built to be free standing, that is, they should be structurally independent even if adjoining buildings are removed. This is good in theory but, at times in inner cities where a house had been torn down in the middle of the block, remedial cross bracing has been retrofitted that spans the open lot and fortifies the walls of the adjoining buildings.
Whenever a foundation for a new structure is excavated adjoining another, even of sound condition, there is a danger of structural damage to the existing building. When the building had been a center portion of a row homes, the danger is multiplied several folds. If pilings are driven, the existing building is even more at risk.
It was most fortunate that the former Empire TV Building that partially collapsed had been vacant. Had it been tenanted, it would have been prudent to have removed the occupants until at least the adjoining foundation had been fully constructed.
Any knowledgeable builder recognizes the inherent danger of excavating a foundation under such circumstances. We hope and pray that the structural engineers and city inspectors are correct about the structural soundness of the next building in the row. As a veteran builder, the Watchdog would not want his family living there.
