Lawsuit over renovation of Massachusetts high school comes to trial

From The Cape Cod Times: Jury selection has begun in a lawsuit over the problem-plagued renovation of Falmouth (Mass.) High School. The original architectural firm on the renovation project is alleging it was wrongfully terminated from the project and is suing the town for $30 million in damages. Hisham Ashkouri, owner and principal architect of ARCADD Inc. in West Newton, contends Falmouth officials breached their contract when ARCADD was fired for alleged faulty designs on the $86 million high school renovation project. ARCADD attorneys say Falmouth still owes the firm roughly $400,000. The town has paid ARCADD $4 million for work completed. The town's attorneys say Falmouth has filed a counter-claim against the firm for $5 million, contending that the architect created faulty roof designs, and failed to properly investigate for asbestos in the building, which has led to delays and cost increases. The project was supposed to be finished in December 2007, but because of delays and a $19 million cost overruns, it isn't scheduled for completion until next May.