Entering a major urban metropolis, the eye is easily drawn to the shimmer and glimmer of the steel and glass beaming off 20th and 21st Century masterpieces, often buffered by the masonry and brick-enveloped beauties of an earlier era. Each type of architecture is deserving of glory in its own right.

 

But behind their facades, and underneath their foundations, lie a host of obstacles and struggles, whether at the pre-development-planning, design or construction phases -- and some even post-occupancy. Many of these challenges stemmed from legal constraints and/or had legal implications including public court decisions, resolving once and for all which party was stuck shouldering the construction risk.

 

Steel Glass City pays homage to the vision, creativity, attention to detail, determination and fortitude of those who have added splendor to the urban built environment, sometimes against great odds or incurring substantial losses. Special mention goes to the legal system that facilitated the current framework through which project participants continue to take on these massive endeavors. In the spirit of “those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it,” it is hoped that the stories behind the subject urban gems illuminate similar challenges of the past, providing project participants with the perspective, inspiration and perseverance to forge ahead, outdoing their predecessors -- as appears to be the tradition.

​

​With warmest regards,

​

Virginia K. Trunkes

Partner, Robinson & Cole LLP's Construction Practice Group

Overview | Construction Law

Contact: vtrunkes@rc.com

​