What an unfortunate situation, the place looks amazing.

But I find this hard to fathom:

In return for renovating its premises and opening the interactive museum, Silverman got a two-year rent-free deal.  However, one clause in the lease allowed the mall's owners, Vornado Realty Trust, the option to terminate the agreement with 60 days notice.

Some rent-free deal - you spend your dough and you get an imaginary two year deal because the whole thing can be terminated on 2 months notice - why would you accept such a term? Extraordinary.