[Update] Body Elite Gym Building Collapses In Carroll Gardens

Update, Thursday, July 2nd: The DOB said in a statement to Gothamist that the building suffered a full structural collapse. They had issued multiple violations and fines against the property owner in recent years for cracks and bulges throughout the property. Read more here.

A three-story building housing a gym collapsed today in Carroll Gardens.

FDNY confirmed to Gothamist that 348 Court Street, where Body Elite Gym was located, collapsed around 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday. Dozens of firefighters are currently at the scene, and could not confirm whether or not anyone was injured in the collapse. We'll update as we learn more information.

Sara Pekow, a resident in the neighborhood, said she witnessed the collapse. She told Gothamist, "I just went out of my building to go to the car and saw the building collapse and a big storm of dust rise in its place—sounded like what you'd expect."

When asked if anyone was in the building, Pekow said she "wasn't close enough to see. It's a gym so it's been closed, but I have seen an employee or two in there in the past, not today though. Often it's barred closed with window gates and nobody inside."

According to Department of Building records, the building's owners Union & Court Realty Corp were issued a violation in October 2019, and paid a $3,155 fine. Then there was a partial stop work order issued on June 10th; a brick wall was "dangerously bulging over public sidewalk," and no protection was provided. As one local tweeted, "Bottom of building has been buckling for months. Scaffolding was recently put up to fix it."

A DOB spokesperson told Gothamist, "DOB engineers and inspectors are on scene investigating the building collapse in Brooklyn. Our investigation is ongoing."

Here's what the gym looked like previously:

[Update 6:20 p.m.] An FDNY spokesperson says there was one minor injury to a civilian at the collapse, and they are being treated on scene. City Council member Brad Lander added that the person had been inside the building just before it collapsed, but was able to get out.