ZANESVILLE – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a $1.6 million settlement Thursday with three construction companies and a design firm over dangerous flaws in the Advanced Sciences and Technology Center at Zane State College.

The building, completed in 2013, has experienced hazardous issues including a splitting and crumbling façade.

“Accountability is not optional when it comes to the safety of our schools,” AG Yost said. “When you refuse to fix your shoddy work and put students and staff at risk, you will quickly find yourself at the wrong end of a lawsuit.”

The settlement follows a lawsuit filed in October 2022 against Robertson Construction, SHP Leading Design, and Quandel Construction Group after mediation failed to resolve the dispute.

The lawsuit alleged that faulty design and construction led to hazardous conditions on the building’s south, east, and west sides. Falling debris forced the college to close an entrance and install overhead protection and fencing for safety.

The settlement details are as follows:

• Robertson Construction: $750,000
• SHP Leading Design: $750,000
• Miami Valley Synthetics, Inc. (a subcontractor for Robertson): $75,000
• Quandel Construction Group: $25,000

The Attorney General’s Office has received the settlement funds in full. These funds will cover the costs for a new exterior on the Advanced Sciences building.

“Zane State College is grateful for the team at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which played a key role in facilitating an amicable resolution,” said a spokesperson for the college.

“We also extend our appreciation to Zanesville and the surrounding communities for their continued support as we work diligently to carry out the necessary repairs.”

The building remains in use as students return to school, with exterior protections still in place. The college expects the façade project to take between 16 and 18 months to complete.

More stories can be found at Ohio Statewide.