Steve Madden Sues Landlord Over 'Crumbling,' Mold-Infested Store

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Next time you're shopping for shoes at Steve Madden's midtown flagship, beware of "fallen brick." The designer just filed a lawsuit against the owners of 720 Lexington Avenue for its "crumbling" foundation, water damage, and substantial mold problem.

Court documents say the brand has been forced to vacate the building's basement and shut down the second floor in order to make space to store inventory, according to The Real Deal. More significantly, Madden alleges that the building is dealing with "hazardous conditions," putting store employees and shoppers in "substantial danger" from problems like holes in the building's foundation that could cave in with the sidewalk, and "pervasive mold" caused by chronic water damage.

Should a judge rule in Madden's favor, the brand will be given a partial abatement of rent, as well as additional damages. In the meantime, maybe shop the Soho store instead?