Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Arbitration on hold in actor’s home dispute

Settlement in works in disagreement with architect

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Arbitration proceedings are on hold in a construction dispute between actor and producer Tom Hanks and Lake Flato Architects, the company that designed Hanks' home north of Ketchum.

A settlement is currently being discussed by the parties, but an agreement had not yet been reached.

Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, are seeking $1.5 million in damages from Lake Flato, headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, alleging that the home completed in 2002 had design defects that led to "roof failures" and "water intrusion" into the $10 million home.

In a separate arbitration case, Hanks and Wilson are also seeking $1.5 million from Storey Construction, the Ketchum company that built the home, alleging that the home was built with "construction defects."

The claims were filed with the American Arbitration Association in November 2007. Hanks and Wilson's contracts with both companies specify that disputes can be mediated through the association.

An arbitration hearing in the Lake Flato case started Friday, Nov. 12, at the Clarion Inn in Ketchum and was scheduled to last until Friday, Nov. 19. However, proceedings were put on hold at the end of the first day of the hearing.

Attorneys in the case said a statement regarding an agreement will be publicly released if a settlement is reached.

Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com

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