Three more subcontractors working on the Obama Presidential Center have filed legal claims. They are reportedly owed nearly $900,000, adding to numerous payment disputes related to the project.
The subcontractors have filed mechanics liens against the property. This routine legal measure is used to claim unpaid construction costs. The claims include payments for structural steel, excavation and concrete, and gymnasium flooring work on Home Court. This is the 60,000-square-foot basketball and events facility at the center.
Structural steel subcontractor Area Erectors seeks nearly $620,000. CSI 3000, the only Minority Business Enterprise among them, claims it is owed about $236,000 for excavation and concrete. Floors Incorporated, specializing in gymnasium flooring, says it is owed nearly $25,000.
Unlike previous disputes reported, these claims focus specifically on Home Court, built under a separate construction contract. This development coincides with high-profile WNBA All-Star Weekend events occurring at Home Court, attended by former President Obama.
Challenges with the Project
Challenges include a ballooning project cost, rising to over $1 billion from an initial estimate of $350 million. Legal issues concerning contracting practices and diversity requirements have also emerged. These new claims contribute to a growing list of challenges at the Obama Presidential Center located in Chicago’s Jackson Park.
Home Court claims were recorded around the center’s June 19 opening. The Cook County Clerk’s Office notes a delay in online property record updates. Thus, these liens have recently become searchable online. Elevate Design Builders, under a separate contract, managed Home Court’s construction. BOWA Construction, minority-owned, was the construction manager for the facility among others involved.
Other Identified Liens
Fox News Digital discovered three additional mechanics liens in the project, totalling about $557,000. These claims involve other segments of the Obama Presidential Center’s construction phase.
Invoices totalling $184,000 are reportedly unpaid for equipment supplied by O’Leary’s Contractors Equipment & Supply. Over $326,000 in unpaid contributions is alleged by the Cement Masons’ Union Trust Funds. Intek Construction Products is claiming approximately $47,000 for labor and materials provided.
These additional disputes involve areas managed by Lakeside Alliance, the primary constructor. They affirmed commitment to resolving outstanding matters amid an ongoing process post-opening.
Previous Payment Disputes
Prior reports from Fox News Digital highlighted other payment issues, including a mechanics lien of over $40 million by Concrete Collective. This dispute now involves a court-approved surety bond. Adamson Plumbing claimed it had to suspend operations and lay off workers after facing financial shortfall.
Some of the previously reported claims have seen resolution. Two mechanics lien claims were withdrawn; one claimant recovered the sought amount. However, project losses of about $200,000 were noted overall by one company.