Paragraph 1: The Lawsuit and its Central Claims
Robert McGee, owner of II in One, a Chicago-based subcontractor, has filed a $40 million lawsuit against Thornton Tomasetti, a New York-based firm overseeing structural engineering and design for the Obama Presidential Center. McGee alleges that Thornton Tomasetti engaged in racially discriminatory practices that forced his company, which provided concrete and rebar services for the center, to perform excessive and unnecessary work, pushing it to the brink of bankruptcy. The lawsuit contends that Thornton Tomasetti deviated from established industry standards by imposing new rules around rebar spacing and tolerance requirements, differing from the American Concrete Institute standards. This divergence, according to McGee, led to overly rigorous inspections and significant cost overruns, impacting productivity and resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
Paragraph 2: Thornton Tomasetti’s Counterarguments
Thornton Tomasetti vehemently denies McGee’s allegations, attributing the project delays and cost overruns to II in One’s own shortcomings. In a memo issued nearly a year prior to the lawsuit, the firm characterized the subcontractors as “questionably qualified,” asserting that their inexperience and underperformance were the root causes of the problems. They provided images of cracked slabs and exposed rebar as evidence of the subcontractor’s deficiencies. Thornton Tomasetti maintains that they dedicated hundreds of hours to reviewing, analyzing, redesigning, and responding to corrective work necessitated by the contractors’ errors. They further argue that the challenges encountered with the concrete work were solely attributable to the contractors’ performance, not their design specifications.
Paragraph 3: Allegations of Discrimination and Defamation
Central to McGee’s lawsuit is the claim that Thornton Tomasetti falsely accused II in One of lacking the necessary qualifications and experience to perform the work while simultaneously asserting that non-minority-owned contractors were adequately qualified. This, McGee contends, is a clear indication of racial discrimination. The lawsuit characterizes Thornton Tomasetti’s actions as "baseless criticisms and defamatory and discriminatory accusations," directly targeting II in One and its joint venture partner, Concrete Collective. McGee is seeking reimbursement for approximately $40 million in construction costs that his firm and its partner allegedly covered due to these discriminatory practices. He frames the situation as one where an African American-owned business is facing forced closure due to racial bias from a powerful engineering firm.
Paragraph 4: Thornton Tomasetti’s Response to Discrimination Claims
In direct contrast to McGee’s claims of discrimination, Thornton Tomasetti asserts that they went to extraordinary lengths to assist the subcontractor team, providing support that would not have been necessary for more qualified contractors. They maintain that their actions were motivated by a desire to help a "questionably qualified" team navigate the project’s complexities, not by any discriminatory intent. Thornton Tomasetti emphasizes that they "bent over backwards" to accommodate the subcontractors, further reinforcing their position that their actions were supportive rather than discriminatory. They accuse the subcontractors of attempting to shift blame for their own inadequacies onto the design team.
Paragraph 5: Project Background and Related Controversies
The Obama Presidential Center, an $830 million project located in Chicago’s Jackson Park, has encountered several challenges. Initially slated to begin construction in 2018, the project faced delays and ultimately commenced in 2021, with an anticipated opening in 2026. The center, which will house the Obama Foundation, a museum, library, and community facilities, has also been the subject of community concerns. Some activists worry about potential displacement due to rising housing costs, while environmental groups have raised concerns about the project’s impact on trees and bird habitats. Despite legal challenges and protests, the project received approval, with the Supreme Court declining to hear a case against its construction. Former President Obama has expressed hope that the center will revitalize Chicago’s South Side and foster community unity.
Paragraph 6: Seeking Comment and Further Information
Fox News Digital reached out to all parties involved in the lawsuit – the Obama Foundation, Thornton Tomasetti, and II in One – for comment, but did not receive responses prior to publication. This ongoing legal battle highlights the complex interplay of race, business, and community development in a high-profile project. The conflicting narratives presented by the plaintiff and the defendant raise critical questions about the true nature of the project’s challenges and the role of discrimination in the construction industry. Further investigation and legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the validity of the claims and counterclaims and ultimately resolving this dispute.
