A Chicago-based subcontractor, II in One, is suing Thornton Tomasetti, a firm managing the construction of the Obama Presidential Center, for $40 million, alleging racial discrimination and unfair practices. The subcontractor claims that Thornton Tomasetti imposed new, excessively rigorous requirements that deviated from standard guidelines, leading to cost overruns and significant delays. Robert McGee, the owner of II in One, argues that these changes, including stricter rebar spacing and tolerance standards, resulted in unnecessary inspections and paperwork that hindered productivity, pushing his company towards bankruptcy. He further asserts that the firm was unfairly criticized for lacking qualifications, while non-minority contractors were deemed acceptable.

Thornton Tomasetti, however, counters that the delays and cost overruns were due to the subcontractor’s underperformance, citing issues such as cracked slabs and exposed rebar. They claim to have spent considerable time and resources addressing the subcontractor’s deficiencies and assert that II in One was inadequately qualified for the project.

The Obama Presidential Center, under construction near Jackson Park in Chicago, is scheduled to open in 2026. The project has faced multiple challenges, including delays and environmental concerns. Activists have raised issues regarding potential displacement of local residents and the environmental impact of removing trees and disturbing bird habitats. Despite these objections, the project was approved and continues under development.