Louisiana city sues builder and architect of a $6 million golf clubhouse shored up after five years

KPLC reported the lawsuit on Nov. 5. In a statement, the city said it is still working with the architect and the contractor toward a settlement and sued to protect its rights in case talks fail. An attorney for King Architects told the station the firm is cooperating with the city. The reports did not give the damages sought or the specific claims in the petition.

The 16,000-square-foot clubhouse has a cart barn on the ground level and The Max restaurant on the second floor, according to The Advocate and KPLC. In March, Mayor Hal McMillin declared an emergency, saying part of the structure was at immediate risk of failing; the order let the city hire contractors and buy shoring without formal bids. At a Jan. 29 meeting, city engineer Byron Racca warned that sections of the upper floor could cave in unless temporary posts and trusses went in, and he cited visible deflection in framing below the restrooms, KPLC reported.

Crews have since installed a support wall in the cart barn, posts and beams through the dining room and kitchen, and extra bracing walls. The clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop are open. King Architects has disputed the city's view before: in a Feb. 18 statement, its attorney said there were none of the usual signs of building stress, such as cracked drywall or sticking doors. When Hurricane Laura hit in 2020, before the building was finished, it caused about $400,000 in damage, and some officials have suggested that played a part. The city has refused to release its engineering report.