Obama Center subcontractor files $40 discrimination lawsuit against engineering firm
A Chicago-based subcontractor has filed a lawsuit against one of the firms managing the construction of the Obama Presidential Center, seeking $40 million in damages due to alleged racial discrimination practices that forced the subcontractor to perform extra work, putting the company at risk of bankruptcy.
Robert McGee, the owner of II in One, which provided concrete and rebar services for the center starting in 2021, claims in the lawsuit filed in federal court last month that New York-based Thornton Tomasetti, which oversees structural engineering and design services for the project, imposed new rules and standards around rebar spacing and tolerance requirements that differed from industry standards. This led to excessive inspections and massive cost overruns, resulting in millions of dollars in losses for II in One.
McGee alleges that the changes made by Thornton Tomasetti required extensive paperwork, impacting productivity and profitability for his company. He claims that the subcontractors were unfairly targeted and accused of lacking qualifications and experience, while non-minority-owned contractors were deemed qualified.
In response to the lawsuit, Thornton Tomasetti defended its actions by stating that the delays and construction costs were due to the underperformance and inexperience of II in One. The firm shared images of cracked slabs and exposed rebar, attributing the challenges with the concrete solely to the performance of the subcontractors.
The Obama Presidential Center, located near Jackson Park in Chicago, is a major project that includes a museum, library, community, and conference facilities. The center is being developed by the Obama Foundation, which operates a scholarship program through the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.
The project has faced criticism and challenges in the past, with community activists raising concerns about rising housing prices, environmental impact, and displacement of residents. Despite these controversies, former President Obama has expressed his hopes that the center will promote unity and revitalization in the city’s South Side.
The lawsuit filed by II in One against Thornton Tomasetti highlights the complexities and disputes that can arise during large-scale construction projects. The outcome of this legal battle will likely have significant implications for both the subcontractor and the firms involved in the construction of the Obama Presidential Center.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Obama Foundation, Thornton Tomasetti, and II in One for comment but did not receive responses before publication. The resolution of this lawsuit will be closely watched by industry experts and stakeholders in the construction sector.
