A Chicago-based subcontractor, II in One, has filed a $40 million lawsuit against engineering firm Thornton Tomasetti, alleging racial discrimination led to excessive work, financial losses, and potential bankruptcy.
The lawsuit, brought by owner Robert McGee, claims that the firm imposed stricter rebar standards than industry norms, resulting in unnecessary inspections and costly overruns.
Thornton Tomasetti, responsible for structural engineering at the $830 million Obama Presidential Center, defended its position, stating that delays and increased costs stemmed from the subcontractor’s lack of qualifications.
The dispute has intensified with allegations that non-minority contractors received preferential treatment while II in One faced excessive scrutiny and defamatory accusations.
Thornton Tomasetti countered these claims in a 2024 memo, asserting that the subcontractor’s inexperience caused structural issues, including cracked slabs and exposed rebar.
The firm emphasized that it had spent significant resources assisting the subcontractor but could not accept blame for construction failures.
The Obama Presidential Center, set to open in 2026, has already faced legal challenges from activists over environmental concerns and potential gentrification.
