Harlem Building Where Firefighter Died To Be Torn Down, City Says

HARLEM, NY — The Harlem building severely damaged by a five-alarm fire that left one firefighter dead will be torn down, a city Department of Buildings spokesman said.

Demolition began Tuesday on 773 St. Nicholas Ave., a five-story building which was being used as a movie set for the new Edward Norton film "Motherless Brooklyn," a Department of Buildings spokesman said. The significant damage suffered by the building in a March 23 fire compromised its structural integrity, the spokesman said.

In order to protect neighboring buildings, the demolition of 773 St. Nicholas Ave. will be conducted by hand with assistance from a construction grappler, a DOB spokesman said. Demolitions will continue every day until the building is completely torn down.

During the demolition process, residents of neighboring 771 and 775 St. Nicholas Ave. will be ordered to vacate the properties, a city Department of Buildings spokesman said.

Fifteen-year FDNY veteran Michael Davidson was killed while responding to a five-alarm fire in the building, FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said. Davidson and other firefighters from Engine Company 69 responded to the burning building on St. Nicholas Avenue and West 149th Street shortly before 11 p.m., Nigro Said.

Davidson got separated from firefighters inside the building during "rapidly deteriorating fire conditions," Nigro said.

"Firefighter Davidson bravely battled many fires and responded to countless calls for help from New Yorkers throughout his 15 years of dedicated service," Commissioner Nigro said in a statement. "Our department and our entire city mourn this tragic loss of a very brave Firefighter."

The building where the fire broke out was being used as a set for the upcoming Bruce Willis and Edward Norton film "Motherless Brooklyn," according to a statement from the film's producers. The movie crew "immediately alerted the fire department" after noticing smoke coming into the set from below them, the producers said in a statement. The building is also the site of the former St. Nick's Jazz Pub, which closed years ago.

FDNY fire marshals will continue to investigate the cause of the five-alarm fire that killed 15-year FDNY veteran Michael Davidson, a city Department of Buildings spokesman said.

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