Trump Tower developer facing lawsuit
Unpaid fees alleged
A Richmond construction company has sued the developer of Trump International Tower and Hotel, seeking almost $800,000 in allegedly unpaid fees.
Last week in B.C. Supreme Court, Urban One Construction Management filed a civil claim against developer Holborn Group and related property holding company West Georgia, both of which are directed by Joo Kim Tiah, the son of Malaysian tycoon Tony Tiah. Urban One’s action also names as defendants a number of condo owners in the glitzy Vancouver tower.
Urban One’s claim says following completion of the project, Holborn has failed to pay Urban One “money due and owing in the amount of $765,632.”
Urban One is seeking a declaration of a builders lien in the amount of $835,059 against the Trump Tower property and also the property of strata unit purchasers named in the suit.
The main payment allegedly outstanding, according to Urban One’s claim, is a $525,000 construction completion hold back that was due in mid-March.
Before Urban One’s claim, Holborn Developments (West Georgia) Ltd. had filed a notice of civil claim on Jan. 17 in B.C. Supreme Court with a list of more than 25 complaints about Urban One.
Holborn alleged Urban One failed to establish a project schedule and properly supervise trade contractors. The claim said Urban One allowed sub-par work to pass, did not inspect appliances to make sure they were in good condition and misled Holborn about possible schedule delays.
But Urban One’s separate claim alleges Holborn commenced legal action in January “with the stated intention of retaliating against Urban One for Urban One (filing) a builders lien to secure payment.”
Urban One’s claim alleges construction progress on the Holborn development was disrupted by “bullying and harassment.
“Holborn directed or knowingly acquiesced in a persistent and unjustified campaign of bullying and harassment of Urban One and its personnel by Holborn’s agent ... which significantly disrupted Urban One’s orderly performance of the services,” the claim alleges.
Holborn CEO Joo Kim Tiah did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
None of the allegations in either legal claim have been proven in court.