A lawsuit filed by a Chicago-based subcontractor against an engineering firm involved in the construction of the Obama Presidential Center has shed light on allegations of racial discrimination and cost overruns. The lawsuit, filed by Robert McGee, the owner of II in One, claims that racial discriminatory practices by New York-based Thornton Tomasetti, the firm overseeing structural engineering and design services for the project, led to additional work that jeopardized the subcontractor’s financial stability. The lawsuit seeks $40 million in damages, citing changes in standards and inspection requirements that resulted in excessive costs and paperwork for II in One.
Challenges and Allegations
McGee alleges that Thornton Tomasetti imposed new rules around rebar spacing and tolerance requirements that deviated from industry standards, leading to what he describes as “excessively rigorous and unnecessary inspection” that caused significant financial losses for his company. The lawsuit claims that the subcontractors were unfairly accused of lacking qualifications and experience, while non-minority-owned contractors were deemed competent. This disparity in treatment, according to McGee, is a result of racial discrimination that has put II in One on the brink of closure.
In response to the lawsuit, Thornton Tomasetti defended its actions by stating that the delays and cost overruns were a direct result of the subcontractors’ underperformance and inexperience. The firm shared images of cracked slabs and exposed rebar as evidence of the challenges faced during the construction process, attributing the issues solely to the contractors’ performance. The memo from Thornton Tomasetti portrays the subcontractors as inadequately qualified and implies that the firm had to invest significant time and resources to rectify the problems caused by II in One.
Community Impact and Controversies
The Obama Presidential Center, located near Jackson Park in Chicago, has faced criticism and controversy since its inception. Initially slated to begin construction in 2018, the project was delayed until 2021 and is now expected to open in 2026. Community activists have voiced concerns about rising housing costs and displacement of residents due to the development, while environmentalists have criticized the project for its impact on local flora and fauna habitats.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the center, former President Barack Obama remains optimistic about its potential to revitalize the South Side of Chicago and unite the community. During the groundbreaking ceremony in 2021, Obama emphasized the positive aspects of the project, highlighting its potential to create new habitats for wildlife and foster a sense of community among Chicagoans. The center, which will house the nonprofit Obama Foundation and feature a museum, library, and conference facilities, aims to serve as a hub for public engagement and education.
As the legal battle between II in One and Thornton Tomasetti unfolds, the outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for both parties involved. The allegations of racial discrimination and financial losses underscore the complexities of large-scale construction projects and the importance of equitable treatment in the industry. The Obama Presidential Center, once completed, will stand as a testament to the challenges and triumphs of urban development, leaving a lasting impact on the community and the legacy of its namesake.
