Kimmel Center sues architect for costs1

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA - Officials at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts have sued the building's internationally acclaimed architect, accusing the firm of "deficient and defective design work" and delays that boosted the project's final cost.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court over construction of the arts center, designed to be one of the world's great venues for orchestral music, does not seek a specific amount of damages from Rafael Vinoly Architects, but it cites a loss of $23 million.

"This action arises from an architect who had a grand vision but was unable to convert that vision into reality, causing the owner to incur significant additional expenses to correct and overcome the architect's errors and delays," says the suit, filed Nov. 23.

The lawsuit alleges that construction ended up costing $180 million, which was "significantly more" than the $157 million originally budgeted.2