“Subcontractor Sues Obama Center Managing Firm for $40 Million Over Alleged Discrimination”
A Chicago-based subcontractor has filed a major lawsuit against one of the firms managing the construction of the Obama Presidential Center, seeking $40 million in damages over allegations of racial discrimination. The lawsuit claims that the managing firm’s practices forced the subcontractor to take on an excessive amount of additional work, ultimately pushing the company to the brink of bankruptcy.
Robert McGee, the owner of II in One, a company that has been providing concrete and rebar services for the Obama Presidential Center project since 2021, filed the lawsuit in federal court last month. His lawsuit is directed at Thornton Tomasetti, a New York-based firm responsible for the structural engineering and design services for the $830 million project. According to the suit, Thornton Tomasetti’s alleged discriminatory behavior not only placed an unfair burden on II in One but also hindered the company’s ability to complete its work on time, further escalating financial pressures.
The lawsuit outlines claims of racially discriminatory practices, asserting that Thornton Tomasetti’s actions systematically disadvantaged McGee’s company. II in One, which is a minority-owned business, asserts that the added workload, coupled with what they describe as inequitable treatment, ultimately pushed them into severe financial distress. The lawsuit also accuses Thornton Tomasetti of failing to provide necessary support and resources, which exacerbated the strain on II in One.
This legal action is significant, as it sheds light on the challenges faced by minority-owned businesses in large-scale construction projects, particularly when dealing with powerful firms with greater resources. McGee’s company is seeking $40 million in damages, which reflects both the financial losses incurred and the impact of the alleged discriminatory actions on the business.
The Obama Presidential Center, a high-profile project in Chicago that has garnered significant national attention, is at the center of this dispute, adding further complexity to the situation. As the legal proceedings unfold, this lawsuit may raise important questions about fairness and equity in major construction projects, especially when it comes to the treatment of minority-owned subcontractors.
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