ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Repairs are winding down at Asteri Ithaca. 

Two weeks after the city of Ithaca posted an order to vacate, officials say the Vecino Group is close to completing mandated repairs in the residential tower. 

According to a statement, “a required fire safety test is scheduled for March 20. The City of Ithaca Fire Department will review test results once they are complete and consider lifting the order to vacate. The order was issued after the City Fire Marshal found unsafe conditions which exacerbate the likelihood of wind-driven fire and prevent the stairwells from functioning as safe exits during an emergency.”

A stairway pressurization test is currently underway, and a second one will be done after the installation of permanent window replacements. Vecino began their repair work last week.

“Until the building fully meets the permanent repair standards, the City will continue to require a 24/7 fire watch by Vecino Group staff to maintain safety during this interim period. Once the stairwell testing is complete and all systems perform as required, the City of Ithaca will lift the Order to Vacate,” officials said.

Conditions were deemed unsafe by Ithaca’s fire marshal on March 4. City officials anticipate lifting the vacate order on Friday, March 20.