INDIANAPOLIS (CelebrityAccess) — The Carmel Redevelopment Commission voted to approve a multi-million settlement from contractors over defects found in the structural steel supporting the Palladium Center for the Performing Arts's domed roof.
According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, Commission members voted 3-0 to accept the settlement offer from Steel Supply & Engineering Co. Michigan-based Steel Supply agreed to pay nearly $2.8 million and forfeit $750,000 in retaining funds held by Steel Supply during the reconstruction process. An additional $1.3 million was realized from previous agreements with other contractors on the project, including engineering firm Lynch, Harrison & Brumleve Inc., and project manager Shiel Sexton Corp., while Creviston Engineering of Muncie will add another $800,000.
Defects in the steel used for the dome were first identified in 2009 during construction of the $119 million concert hall, forcing construction to be halted for three months. Contractor Steel Supply claimed that the building's innovative design was at issue while The Carmel Redevelopment Commission countered that Steel Supply failed to properly reinforce connection between steel members.
Carmel Redevelopment Commission Corrie Meyer told the Indiana Business Journal that the commission will evaluate its options on how to proceed, with securing the building's ceiling being at the top of the list.
“Obviously, we want to make sure the building will continue to be safe for another 100 years,” she said. – Staff Writers