AG files suit over 'shoddy design and workmanship' at Zane State

ZANESVILLE − Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is suing three companies for what it describes as "shoddy design and workmanship on a Zane State College building" according to a press release from Yost's office. The suit alleges that falling debris has "created a danger to students" which necessitated the closure of one of the building's entrances.

The suit was filed on Wednesday in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court against building architect SHP Leading Design, contractor Robinson Construction, construction manager Quandel Construction Group and the financer of the project, Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.

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The attorney general said his office tried to mediate with SHP, Quandel and Robinson Construction, but could not reach an agreement for the $1.6 million of needed repairs or in-kind work. Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland was included in the suit because it provided a construction bond for the project, "which covered, among other things, the defective workmanship of Robinson Construction" the suit states.

According to the suit faulty design and construction of Zane State's Advanced Sciences and Technology Center, built in 2013, has caused the façade "split and crumble on the building's south, east and west sides."

"Structural integrity is key when building schools, but so is professional integrity," Yost said in the release. "The writing's on the wall - honor your contract or pay up. The safety of the students is counting on it."

According to the release, Zane State has taken steps to prevent further damage to the building's interior by tarping over the damage, and using scaffolding in various places, including over the remaining entrances in use to protect from falling debris.

ccrook@gannett.com

740-868-3708

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Ohio lawsuit filed over 'shoddy design' at Zane State College