Legal Battle Over Unpaid Demolition Work in Orlando Skyscraper Project
A new lawsuit has emerged in Orlando revolving around unpaid construction work and a stalled downtown skyscraper development project. At the heart of this legal conflict is a claim by the Orlando-based contractor, Interstruct Design + Build, against the Dallas-based developer, Lincoln Property Co.
Lawsuit Filing and Background
Interstruct Design + Build took legal action on September 23, 2024, against Church Street Phase II LLC, a subsidiary of Lincoln Property Co., by filing a lawsuit in the Orange County Circuit Court. The lawsuit centers on allegations of a breach of contract regarding tasks performed at the site of the former Church Street Ballroom at 225 S. Garland Ave.
Demolition and Contractual Obligations
According to the legal documents, Interstruct had entered a contract with Lincoln Property Co. on January 9, 2023, which involved selective demolition, specifically, the demolition of the existing Church Street Ballroom in March 2023. The contractor claims that the developer has yet to settle $104,015 owed for the completed work.
Payment Dispute and Communication Breakdown
The lawsuit outlines the continuous efforts by Interstruct’s founder, Ryan Young, to secure payment for the demolition work since May 2023. The complaint includes email communications that extend through July 2024, illustrating ongoing attempts to resolve the matter.
In these communications, Scott Stahley, representing Lincoln Property, indicated delays due to pending payment from an unspecified owner. Young expressed his frustration, arguing that such a justification would not suffice were it his company delaying payments to its subcontractors.
Liens On The Property
Compounding the financial dispute, two liens have been placed upon the property. On August 9, 2023, Pece of Mind Environmental filed a lien for $432,527, while Kimley-Horn & Associates filed another for $43,265 on March 18, 2024. These liens suggest a broader pattern of unpaid obligations related to the stalled project.
Status of The Proposed Skyscraper Project
The development project, envisioned to culminate in a 32-story, mixed-use skyscraper called The Edge, appears to be at a standstill. Although the site remains fenced off, there has been no visible progression towards construction over the past year. Moreover, updates about the planned transformation of the Bumby Arcade into the Bumby Food Hall remain absent.
Past Working Relationships
It’s notable that Interstruct previously functioned as the general contractor under Lincoln Property Co. for redeveloping the former Marriott Vacations Club headquarters on Westwood Boulevard. This history of collaboration adds a layer of complexity to the current legal contention.
Legal Warnings and Potential Consequences
Ahead of filing the lawsuit, an attorney representing Interstruct, Benjamin Iseman of Maynard Nexsen PC, issued a letter dated August 5. This letter served as a final warning, indicating a lawsuit would be inevitable should payment failures persist.
Lack of Commentary from Parties Involved
Both parties involved in the lawsuit, Interstruct and Lincoln Property Co., have not provided any comments despite requests for statements regarding the pending legal matter.
