Controversial landlord buys Nyack’s famous Woolworth Building; announces renovation plan

BY CAROL MCILMURRAY

NOTE – A deep background check has revealed that the landlord Mr. Hershko of Nyack is not the same man as a landlord of a similar name in Brooklyn as had been suggested by some media reports and an earlier version of this article

Richard Quinn, president of Nyack Village Theater, was one of many tenants of Nyack’s historic Woolworth Building introduced recently to Isaac Hershko, the property’s new landlord. Quinn has left the building and says he will not return due to disputes with the new owner. 

“I called the police on [Hershko] and his son, Nadav, after [they] were yelling profanities and trying to intimidate me at the end of November,” Quinn alleged. His business is now running just a block away at 142 Main St.

A week later, on Dec. 7, other tenants of the Woolworth Buliding such as Great Dames boutique, Madrigal Photography, David Klugman therapy and Nyack Jewelry Spa found out they had to be out of the building in January for a three month renovation project. Most say they plan to return to the building. 

The Village of Nyack said the property  currently has one expired building permit. Nyack Mayor Don Hammond said, “In response to the requests for a comment from the village it is important to recognize that a municipal government has no role in private real estate transactions-the village can neither control who buys or sells private property. The village will continue to be vigilant in terms of enforcing its Code throughout the village.”

Hershko, whom is referenced in 2016 Lohud news report as the owner of the Brickhouse Building on Broadway and Sixty5 on Main in Nyack says he is planning to renovate the iconic 27,000 sq. ft. Woolworth building to include a brewery and hi-tech gym in a sleek industrial style. While Hershko says he wants to put offices and theater on the top two floors, Quinn suspects that Hershko really intends to build a “palace for his family” on the those floors, including a bowling alley in the basement. Quinn questions the plans, stating, “Not sure how this happen[ed] or why it can’t be stopped.”

Hershko is not new to Nyack; in 2014 he infamously closed the Playhouse Market allegedly without paying his employees, causing a weeklong protest outside the shuddered building.  Litigation in the case is ongoing. 

[Note – The Rockland County Times has retracted the section of the article that refers to a Gothamist report about a New York City landlord with a similar name as Hershko. According to our research the two men have been confirmed as separate individuals]

As for the Nyack’s Woolworth Building, Hershko told Lohud the relocation of tenants is “just temporary they will be back” after new construction, Quinn maintains he will not be one of them. 

Quinn says he “had to get away from all that negativity as soon as I could.” Hershko’s lawyer dismissed Quinn as just a disgruntled tenant behind on some bills. An allegation Quinn vociferously denied. 

Quinn, the owner of Modern Metro Studios aka Nyack Village Theatre and www.rocklandworldradio.com. Quinn, said he found a new home at 142 Main Street Commons, Suite 110 because it is a clean fresh and vibrant space with extra parking behind the building.  “We will continue to be a creative and cultural source for the community.”

Madigral Photography is temporarily moving to 42 Main St, Nyack Jewelry Spa Plus will work by assignment, and Great Dames will operate as a pop-up at 88 Main St. at Johnny Apollo Art Gallery and plans to return in the spring after renovations are completed. David Klugman said he is working remotely and building a new poetry and art venture.

  Isaac Hershko, Nyack, Woolworth Building