Why is 161 Maiden Lane leaning instead of standing straight?
Posted on Mar 02, 2026 / Travel
The main reason 161 Maiden Lane leans is because of how its foundation was built, not because of an earthquake or dramatic event. Instead of driving deep pilings into the hard bedrock like most other tall buildings in Manhattan, the developers chose a soil improvement method that was cheaper but proved risky. That part of Lower Manhattan sits on fill and softer soil from when the city expanded the shoreline, so the ground isn’t as solid as it is in other spots. Because the foundation didn’t reach the bedrock, the building settled unevenly while it was being built, leading to a slight tilt to the north. Engineers say this lean amounts to about three inches, and while that’s noticeable technically, it’s not something you’d easily see with the naked eye from a distance. The tilt has triggered lawsuits, construction holds, and a big debate about why the cheaper foundation choice was made in the first place. Even though engineers have said the structure is unlikely to topple, that odd tilt is just part of the tangled story of this skyscraper.
Please share the link with friends and neighbors:
Also! Recommended for you:
What exactly is 161 Maiden Lane, the so-called Leaning Tower of New York?Is 161 Maiden Lane safe to be around or could it collapse?
What caused construction at 161 Maiden Lane to stop?
What’s the history behind the 161 Maiden Lane site and the design of the building?
Why do people call 161 Maiden Lane the leaning tower, and is it similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa?
Could 161 Maiden Lane ever be finished or torn down?
© 2026 City maps and famous places