SEATTLE WASHINGTON BUILDING EXPERT
DIRECTORY AND CAPABILITIES

Court Addresses When Duty to Defend Ends

August 24, 2020 — Anthony L. Miscioscia & Margo E. Meta - White and Williams
There are certain generally held principles regarding an insurer’s duty to defend. One of these principles is that an insurer has a duty to defend its insured if the complaint states a claim that potentially falls within the policy’s coverage. However, there is a lack of consistency regarding the point at which the insurers’ duty to defend ends. When the only potentially covered claim has been dismissed, must the insurer continue to defend? Certain jurisdictions, such as Hawaii and Minnesota, have held that an insurer’s duty to defend continues through an appeals process, or until a final judgment has been entered, disposing of the entire case. Commerce & Industry Insurance Company v. Bank of Hawaii, 832 P.2d 733 (Haw. 1992); Meadowbrook, Inc. v. Tower Insurance Company, 559 N.W. 2d 411 (Minn. 1997). Earlier this week, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania took a different approach to this question in Westminster American Insurance Company v. Spruce 1530, No. 19-539, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 106534 (E.D. Pa. June 17, 2020) – holding that the trial court’s dismissal of the only potentially covered claim was sufficient to terminate Westminster’s duty to defend. Reprinted courtesy of Anthony L. Miscioscia, White and Williams and Margo E. Meta, White and Williams Mr. Miscioscia may be contacted at misciosciaa@whiteandwilliams.com Ms. Meta may be contacted at metam@whiteandwilliams.com Read the court decision
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Updated: Happenings in and around the West Coast Casualty Seminar

May 13, 2014 — Beverley BevenFlorez-CDJ STAFF
For those who are attending the West Coast Casualty Construction Defect Seminar this week, the Construction Defect Journal has updated its list of concerts, sporting events, and museum exhibitions taking place in and around Anaheim. Whether you like to spend your personal time checking out a new band, or watching your favorite Angel slide into home, or perusing the local art museum, there is something to spark your interest. ***CONCERT VENUES*** THE HOUSE OF BLUES IN ANAHEIM Live Band Karaoke Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Wednesday experience the excitement of singing your favorite song with a live band. Over 200 songs to choose from our massive collection of classics and current hits. Get down here and let your vocals roar. No Cover! Rockin’ The Blues Thursday, May 15th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Thursday night head down to The Voodoo Lounge and listen to the best local live blues band. This is the music that shaped American music and influences every genre we listen to today. No cover! Alice in Cooperland with Sons of Cream and Iron Plaid Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm Friday Night Live Friday, May 16th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Friday night features live music in The Voodoo Lounge. One stage, weekly mind blowing performances. No cover! Stephen "Ragga" Marley Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 8pm / Show Begins at 9pm Dance, Pop and Hip-Hop Saturday, May 17th, 2014 Doors Open at 10pm / Show Begins at 11pm Every Saturday night The Voodoo Lounge heats up with the sounds of DJ Matt Hill spinning across genres and getting the party started. No Cover! For More Information on Events at THE HOUSE OF BLUES OF ANAHEIM... THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM Lindsey Stirling plus special guest Dia Frampton Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Doors Open at 7pm / Show Begins at 8pm Primal Fear Thursday, May 15, 2014 Doors Open at 6:30pm / Show Begins at 7pm Jillian Michaels 'Maximize Your Life' Tour Friday, May 16, 2014 Doors Open at 6pm / Show begins at 8pm For More Information on Events at THE GROVE OF ANAHEIM... THE HONDA CENTER 2014 Powerhouse Saturday, May 17, 2014 – Parking lot Festival 3pm – Show Begins 7pm Power 106 presents Powerhouse with Performances by Nicki Minaj, TDE’s Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, YG, Jennifer Lopez, Childish Gambino, Juicy J, Sage The Gemini, Isaiah Rashad, plus Special Surprise Guests and More! For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for THE HONDA CENTER... ***SPORTING EVENTS*** ANGEL’S STADIUM - BASEBALL The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v. Tampa Bay Rays Thursday, May 15th at 7:05pm Friday, May 16th at 7:05pm Saturday, May 17th at 6:05pm Sunday, May 18th at 12:35pm For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for ANGEL'S BASEBALL... THE HONDA CENTER – HOCKEY Ducks v. Kings – Game 7 (If Necessary) Friday, May 16th at TBA For More Information and to Purchase Tickets for DUCKS' HOCKEY... ***MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS*** MUZEO Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling Apr 26 –Aug 31, 2014 Transcending Trash: The Art of Upcycling celebrates the transformation of throwaway objects into complex and colorful works of art. African Exhibit On The Move (free) May 7 –May 1, 2014 Photographer Dawn Harman has captured the spirit and energy of Africa through a series of limited edition images- each and every photo tells an extraordinary story. Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 5 pm For More Information on Events at MUZEO... BOWERS MUSEUM (Santa Ana) Beethoven: The Late Great Feb 8 - May 18, 2014 In recognition of the 60th anniversary of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and its 21st and final season of Dean Corey’s leadership, the Philharmonic Society will present a multi-season celebration of the major late works of Ludwig van Beethoven, including a celebratory exhibition at the Bowers Museum. Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies In Ancient Egypt Mar 22 – June 15, 2014 Soulful Creatures: Animal Mummies in Ancient Egypt is the first major exhibition to focus on one of the most fascinating aspects of ancient Egyptian culture and religion—the mummification of animals. Chuck Jones: Doodles of a Genius Apr 26 - August 3, 2014 This exhibition contains original drawings, most never publicly displayed, including a section of 50 so‐called "Doodles," perhaps best described as coming from one artist's very far side. The Lure Of Chinatown: Painting California's Chinese Communities Apr 12 - August 31, 2014 The unique cultural customs, fascinating architecture, and rich aesthetic of the Chinese communities in San Francisco and Los Angeles inspired many 19th and 20th century artists. Museum Days/Hours: Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Mondays) / 10 am to 4 pm For More Information on Events at BOWERS MUSEUM... Read the court decision
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MBIA Seeks Data in $1 Billion Credit Suisse Mortgage Suit

June 26, 2014 — Chris Dolmetsch and Jody Shenn – Bloomberg
MBIA Inc. (MBI) asked a judge to order Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN) to turn over internal records that the bond insurer says bolster its contention the bank lied about how it processed loans packaged into mortgage-backed securities. MBIA said in a court filing today that Credit Suisse has withheld evidence about how the bank’s actual practices diverged from its representations -- including documents identified as exhibits in other lawsuits based on the same allegations. The bond insurer asked Justice Shirley Werner Kornreich in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan to force the bank to search documents and e-mails on its policies and practices including those related to loan underwriting and origination, due diligence and post-acquisition quality-control review. Mr. Dolmetsch may be contacted at cdolmetsch@bloomberg.net; Ms. Shenn may be contacted at jshenn@bloomberg.net Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Chris Dolmetsch and Jody Shenn, Bloomberg

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Anthony Luckie Speaks With Columbia University On Receiving Graduate Degree in Construction Administration Alongside His Father

October 02, 2023 — Lewis Brisbois
New York, N.Y. (September 7, 2023) – New York Partner Anthony P. Luckie recently spoke with the Columbia University School of Professional Studies' Alumni publication regarding earning a Master of Science in Construction Administration alongside his father, as well as how the degree will benefit his law practice and clients. As the article explains, Mr. Luckie and his father completed Columbia’s Construction Administration Program last year – only one week before the birth of Mr. Luckie’s own son. Mr. Luckie described that being accepted into the program at Columbia – a school from which “some of the most important figures in American history” have graduated – “was a really big thrill . . . .” He further explained that although he felt a sense of pride in earning the degree, the fact that he and his father shared the experience held even greater meaning for him. He noted, “[W]hile it’s an incredible achievement for both of us to graduate from an Ivy League school, for me, that day was a culmination of a father raising his son. Standing there with him onstage . . . I made sure I took time to feel grateful.” Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Lewis Brisbois

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Apartments pushed up US homebuilding in September

October 22, 2014 — Josh Boak – Bloomberg Businessweek
WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction firms broke ground on more apartment complexes in September, pushing up the pace of U.S. homebuilding. Housing starts rose 6.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.017 million homes, the Commerce Department said Friday. Almost all of the gains came from apartment construction — a volatile category — which increased 18.5 percent after plunging in August. The sluggish recovery and meager wage growth has left more Americans renting instead of owning homes. Apartment construction has surged 30.3 percent over the past 12 months. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Josh Boak, Bloomberg Businessweek

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Las Vegas, Back From the Bust, Revives Dead Projects

June 11, 2014 — Brian Louis – Bloomberg
For almost five years, the desert plot at the western edge of the Las Vegas valley was home to hulking steel skeletons -- ghostly ruins of a construction project halted by the recession. Now the 106-acre (43-hectare) site bustles with hundreds of workers building the first phase of Downtown Summerlin, an office, entertainment and retail complex that’s scheduled to open in October. Howard Hughes Corp. (HHC) revived the development last year after the previous owner, General Growth Properties Inc., shut it down in 2008. The commercial real estate market in Las Vegas, littered with vacant buildings and abandoned construction sites by overreaching developers during the U.S. property crash, is coming back to life as the local economy improves and tourists return to the nation’s gambling capital. Blackstone Group LP’s deal to buy the Cosmopolitan resort and Genting Bhd. (GENT)’s proposed resurrection of an abandoned project on Las Vegas Boulevard are further signs of investor confidence in the nascent recovery. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Brian Louis, Bloomberg
Mr. Louis may be contacted at blouis1@bloomberg.net

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Real Estate & Construction News Roundup (6/18/24) – Cannabis’ Effect on Real Estate, AI’s Capabilities for Fund Managers and CRE’s Exposure on Large Banks

July 15, 2024 — Pillsbury's Construction & Real Estate Law Team - Gravel2Gavel Construction & Real Estate Law Blog
In our latest roundup, hotel-to-apartment conversions take big leap, state governments pass squatting legislation, US regional banks risk having debt ratings downgraded, and more!

• Reclassifying cannabis as a lower-risk substance could bring significant changes to the real estate sector associated with cannabis. (Margaret Jackson, Yahoo)
• More than 60 of the largest banks in the country are at increased risk of failure due to their commercial real estate (CRE) exposures. (Florida Atlantic University).
• As extreme weather grows in frequency and intensity, the nation’s patchwork of building codes have not kept up with modern conditions and if something goes wrong, contractors are not off the hook if they simply build to code. (Julie Strupp, Construction Dive)

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Reprinted courtesy of Pillsbury's Construction & Real Estate Law Team

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Modified Plan Unveiled for Chicago's Sixth-Tallest Tower

February 15, 2018 — Jeff Yoders – ENR
The Chicago Plan Commission on Jan. 18 approved a $700-million development that, as presented, would include the city’s sixth-tallest building. Read the court decision
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Reprinted courtesy of Jeff Yoders, Engineering News-Record
Mr. Yoders may be contacted at yodersj@enr.com

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