Even Donna Karan isn’t immune to one of New York City’s most democratic traditions: rats.
The fashion designer’s Urban Zen store in the West Village has become the unlikely center of a growing NYC rat controversy, and what started as a pest problem has now turned into a legal battle between neighbors.
Urban Zen, located at 705 Greenwich Street, sued the owner of an adjacent vacant lot at 703 Greenwich Street, alleging that the neglected property has helped fuel a rat infestation that has affected Karan’s business. According to the lawsuit, construction debris, garbage and the remains of a tree created conditions that allowed rats to burrow toward the Urban Zen building.
And these aren’t exactly the clientele Urban Zen was hoping to attract.
The complaint alleges that rats have been spotted around the store’s terrace, an area used for commercial events, forcing the business to cancel or limit gatherings. Karan’s company also claims the infestation has caused financial and reputational damage.
Because nothing says “luxury West Village lifestyle” quite like rodents crashing the cocktail party.
But the story has taken a twist. The owner of the neighboring property has reportedly countersued, arguing that Urban Zen itself contributes to the rat problem. Among the allegations are claims involving food waste from catered events at Karan’s property.
In other words, the rats may have accidentally hired lawyers.
The dispute highlights a much bigger problem in New York City, where vacant lots, construction debris and improperly managed garbage can quickly become five-star accommodations for rodents. NYC’s Health Department receives roughly 40,000 rat complaints through 311 every year, making rats less of a bizarre anomaly and more of a permanent New York institution.
For now, Donna Karan’s West Village rat war continues to play out in court. The parties disagree over who is responsible, but there is one clear winner: the rats.
They’ve found prime real estate, excellent dining and, apparently, no plans to move out anytime soon.
