when owners are unwilling to address the real moisture intrusion issues properly & slather paint aka lipstick on a pig these are the inevitable results
the masonry will continue to deteriorate & the interior ugliness will continue to peel & contaminate the indoor air quality
or they just need a new interior decorator
if your area is anything like mine the moisture & urban gentrification will assure that structure doesn't see another 150 yrs
Precisely BA!
Many of these historic buildings are crumbling because of cheap owners employing cheap cosmetics to the exteriors in attempt to kick the can down the road to the next owner... This one has a chance, but only if immediate corrective action is taken.
They use common paint that is vapor impermeable. The paint doesn't stick well to the masonry and allows moisture to penetrate, but not escape. The water can be from a multitude of sources such as poorly maintained gutter systems, poor flashing, roof leaks, and through the wall itself. It's only natural route to drying is vapor and moisture migration through the multi wye brick to the interior, resulting initially in what is depicted at the interior stair well. Eventually the masonry begins to crumble on the outside as it decays, they apply more paint to hide the ugliness, and the cycle continues.
Vapor permeable products have been available to seal the exterior masonry, but allow it to breath. Unfortunately the building owners and many painting contractors are ignorant as to their existence... or simply don't wish to pay to have it done correctly.