Gold Coast jeweler claims burst water pipes at above business damaged property

A jewelery company is suing the architecture firm and contractor responsible for the renovation of a steakhouse located above it in a Chicago building, claiming their negligence caused water pipes to freeze, burst and cause property damage.

Buccellati Inc., a New York-owned company with a retail store at 62 E. Oak St. in Chicago, filed suit Jan. 7 in Cook County Circuit Court against Oak Park-based Aria Group Architects Inc. and Boston-based Shawmut Woodworking & Supply Inc., doing business as Shawmut Design and Construction.

According to the complaint, Del Frisco's Steakhouse, located adjacent and above Buccellati’s Gold Coast space, had contracted with the defendants to renovate its space with modification plans, including a water and heat provision. The design for the water supply, the suit alleges, called for copper piping in exterior walls that were not insulated or heated.

Del Frisco’s water pipes froze and burst on Dec. 24, 2013, causing damage to Buccellati’s property and business, the suit asserts.

Buccellati’s seeks damages in excess of $50,000, plus interest and costs, and is represented by attorney Carl E. Metz II of FalkMetz in Chicago.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt and represents only one side of the story.