Citadel Builders sues subcontractor for defective work and breach of contract on school construction project

GRETNA – A contractor for an Orleans Parish school building is suing its subcontractor for defective work and failing to pay its labors and materials used in the project.

Citadel Builders LLC filed suit Jan. 15 against SCC Ventures LLC, Mark Mueller, Mark Thevenot and Stephen C. Cloud in the 24th Judicial District Court. Citadel Builders LLC claims they executed a contract with SCC Ventures LLC worth $975,854 for their work as a sub-contractor on a new elementary school in Orleans Parish. The plaintiff alleges the contract depended on the defendant providing all of their own building materials and that payments were made in 22 increments on the project with promises from the defendants that there were no outstanding debts on their behalf for the work done. Citadel Builders LLC asserts that although SCC claimed to have made all necessary payments at the end of the contract period Citadel was required to pay some of their subcontractors, material men, mechanics and laborers for services provided on the project, thus putting SCC in breach of contract. In addition, the plaintiff alleges that soon after completion of the project ceiling constructed by the defendant began to crack and were found to be improperly installed.

The defendant is accused of defaulting on its obligation under the subcontract, failing to provide services conforming to the highest standards of care, failing to remedy defects in material workmanship, failing to pay all of its subcontractors and failing to ensure adequacy of facilities.

An unspecified amount is sought for all damages caused by acts of the defendants, costs to repair defective work, litigation costs and attorney’s fees.

Citadel Builders LLC is represented by Andrew G. Vicknair of New Orleans-based Shields Mott Lund LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division E Judge John J. Molaison Jr.

Case no. 722-920.