Clarkson S. Fisher Building & U.S. Courthouse Addition

The general contractor was defaulted during construction of an addition to this historic federal courthouse.  The default alleged that the contractor failed to make sufficient progress.  RRJ was retained by the contractor’s legal counsel to evaluate issues related to the termination and assist with claims against the owner.

RRJ’s scope included a review of the project documents, analysis of the design for constructability and compliance with industry standards, and development of a critical event timeline.

The design included a controversial metal stud back-up for the cut limestone and ground face block exterior walls and an elaborate, curved glazed curtain wall as the focus of the north elevation design.

RRJ’s findings established that the cladding system design by the project architect was unclear and the subject of considerable disagreement between the designers, the owner, and the owner’s consultants.  RRJ’s timeline study demonstrated that this disagreement seriously impacted the submittal process and was the main cause of the construction delay.