Bozzuto Sues Design Firm Over Errors On Boston-Area Project It Says Caused $3M In Damages
An affiliate of multifamily giant Bozzuto has sued a Boston-based design firm over dozens of design errors the developer alleged occurred at a mixed-use development in North Quincy.
The Maryland-based company said it incurred more than $3M in damages at The Abby, a 610-unit development next to the North Quincy MBTA stop, due to mistakes and "design defects" by Icon Architecture, according to a lawsuit filed Friday in Suffolk County Superior Court.
"As construction of the multi-phase project progressed, the full extent of ICON's substandard work came into focus," the company wrote in the suit, which was first reported by the Boston Business Journal.
Icon Architecture didn't respond to Bisnow's request for comment in time for publication, but Icon President Nancy Ludwig told the BBJ that the firm disagrees with the allegations.
“ICON and its sub-consultants provided good services. It is regrettable that Bozzuto filed suit,” Ludwig told the BBJ. “ICON intends to defend the case vigorously. We are confident that the jury that hears this case will agree with us that Bozzuto’s claims are misplaced.”
Bozzuto said there were many flaws in the design of the building and highlighted Icon failing to design a lighting layout that would meet the neighboring MBTA's requirements as one example.
The developer listed several other project defects it alleges were based on Icon's work, including demolishing concrete slabs in elevator pits in two buildings after construction drawings failed to specify code-required sump pumps.
Bozzuto broke ground on the project in October 2019, aiming to complete the three phases between the spring of 2021 and the spring of 2022. The 700K SF project includes 45K SF of retail that is leased up partly by Target and bakery chain Paris Baguette.
The development is Bozzuto's first in the New England region, but the company has built and acquired over 50,000 apartments and homes across the country. The firm also manages 90,000 properties, according to its website.
Aside from The Abby, Icon has worked on several major projects in Greater Boston, including The Graphic Lofts in Charlestown, Olmsted Green in Mattapan and One Canal in Boston.
