GRAMERCY — The superintendent of a vacant building died Wednesday afternoon in a 10-story plunge down an elevator shaft, police said.
The 60-year-old man, who was not immediately identified, was found at the bottom of the shaft in 329-331 Park Ave. South by co-workers about 12:30 p.m, according to the NYPD.
The superintendent of the building next door, Amer Sahamanovic, said that he saw the victim yesterday when the victim sneaked up behind Sahamanovic to surprise him.
"Oh, my god," Sahamanovic said. "He's a nice guy."
The 12-story office building, which once housed the restaurant Sage, is owned by F.M. Ring Associates, made up of eccentric brothers Frank and Michael Ring, who inherited a small real estate empire of 15 buildings in the Flatiron and Gramercy neighborhoods, according to The Real Deal.
A woman who answered the phone at the company on Wednesday declined to comment.
The brothers, who took over the business from their father Leo Ring, are known for leaving prime locations empty, choosing not to rent them out, according to the real estate magazine.
The Park Avenue South building's elevator inspection records show minor administrative violations, but no safety issues, according to a Department of Buildings spokeswoman.
The building was cited for safety violations regarding its facade in January 2013. Scaffolding has been covering the property since 2009, but there is no active work going on, according to building records and neighbors.
