The four-story building that houses the bar Vesper at 493 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill collapsed shortly before 2 p.m.

The collapse also badly damaged the apartment building next door at 491 Myrtle. Councilwoman Letitia James, who was at the scene, said that it would have to be demolished. All told, at least 14 people were left homeless.

493 Myrtle was cited on May 1 by the Buildings Department for having a crack running up the east exterior wall from the ground floor to the roof, as well as separation cracks on the interior on the third and fourth floors.

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