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The construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago has been marred by a high-profile legal battle, as a subcontractor has filed a $40 million federal lawsuit against the structural engineering firm overseeing the project. The dispute underscores the challenges of large-scale construction, particularly when issues of race and discrimination are raised in a high-profile development.
Robert McGee, the owner of II in One, asserts that his firm was subjected to excessively rigorous inspections and unrealistic rebar spacing and tolerance requirements. According to the complaint, these changes departed from the established American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards and created unnecessary obstacles that led to project delays and financial distress. McGee argues that his company was unfairly singled out for scrutiny, while non-minority-owned firms faced less stringent oversight.
The firm emphasized that all requirements were outlined in the original construction documents and adhered to industry standards. Thornton Tomasetti further noted that II in One had the opportunity to raise concerns about these expectations during the preconstruction phase but failed to do so.
This latest lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to an already embattled project. If successful, II in One’s legal action could have significant financial and reputational consequences for Thornton Tomasetti. Moreover, the case raises broader questions about equitable treatment and oversight in large-scale public works projects.
The legal battle is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. However, this dispute serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflict in high-profile construction endeavors, particularly when issues of discrimination and financial strain are at the forefront.
The Lawsuit
II in One, a Black-owned subcontractor based in Chicago, alleges that New York-based engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti engaged in discriminatory practices that forced the company into financial turmoil. The lawsuit claims that Thornton Tomasetti imposed non-standard requirements that deviated from industry norms, resulting in significant cost overruns and productivity losses.Robert McGee, the owner of II in One, asserts that his firm was subjected to excessively rigorous inspections and unrealistic rebar spacing and tolerance requirements. According to the complaint, these changes departed from the established American Concrete Institute (ACI) standards and created unnecessary obstacles that led to project delays and financial distress. McGee argues that his company was unfairly singled out for scrutiny, while non-minority-owned firms faced less stringent oversight.
Thornton Tomasetti’s Defense
Thornton Tomasetti has denied the allegations, maintaining that II in One's inexperience and underperformance were the true causes of the delays and cost overruns. In a statement, the engineering firm pointed to documented deficiencies in the subcontractor’s work, including improperly poured and cured concrete, exposed rebar, and cracked slabs.The firm emphasized that all requirements were outlined in the original construction documents and adhered to industry standards. Thornton Tomasetti further noted that II in One had the opportunity to raise concerns about these expectations during the preconstruction phase but failed to do so.
The Obama Foundation’s Position
The Obama Foundation, which is responsible for the $830 million development, has stated that there is no evidence that Thornton Tomasetti acted with racist intent. Emily Bittner, vice president of communications for the foundation, emphasized that if the foundation had any reason to believe that discrimination played a role, they would take immediate and appropriate action.Project Background and Implications
The Obama Presidential Center, currently under construction in Jackson Park, is envisioned as a major cultural and community hub, featuring a museum, library, and other facilities. Initially expected to break ground in 2018, the project has faced multiple delays, including legal challenges related to its impact on local housing and environmental concerns. Construction officially began in 2021, with an expected opening in 2026.This latest lawsuit adds another layer of complexity to an already embattled project. If successful, II in One’s legal action could have significant financial and reputational consequences for Thornton Tomasetti. Moreover, the case raises broader questions about equitable treatment and oversight in large-scale public works projects.
The legal battle is ongoing, and the outcome remains uncertain. However, this dispute serves as a stark reminder of the potential for conflict in high-profile construction endeavors, particularly when issues of discrimination and financial strain are at the forefront.
References:
- "Obama Presidential Center facing $40M discrimination lawsuit," New York Post, nypost.com
- "Sub’s lawsuit says racial discrimination is behind blame for Obama Center problems," Engineering News-Record, enr.com
- "Barack Obama Presidential Center construction lawsuit explained," Newsweek, newsweek.com
