The fast-tracked construction of designer Tory Burch’s Soho flagship store has wreaked havoc on a neighboring landmark building, causing doors to jam and an elevator to break down, according to a lawsuit.
Herbert Moskowitz, owner of a 130-year-old luxury rental building at 153 Mercer St., says drilling for Burch’s new headquarters at 151 Mercer St. has caused “extensive damage” to his property.
The foundation has shifted half an inch, making the elevator for the five-story building inoperable, and interior doors don’t close, the Manhattan civil suit says.
The landlord has had to reduce rents — where a two-bedroom goes for over $10,000 a month — and can’t find tenants for vacancies, according to court papers.
He claims the city’s Department of Buildings, which has since issued violations against Burch and stopped construction, gave her waivers to cut through red tape at the expense of safety.
A spokesman for Tory Burch said, “the company denies the allegations made in the complaint. We always strive to work with the finest partners and maintain high standards on any project we undertake .”