RCCB Helps Secure Major Liability Victory for Chestlen Development in High-Stakes Construction Dispute

Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld (RCCB) is proud to have served as co-counsel in a significant litigation victory for Chestlen Development, the real estate investment and development firm behind Philadelphia’s 52-story, dual-branded W and Element Hotel.

Chestlen has been engaged in a complex, high-stakes dispute with its general contractor, Tutor Perini Building Corp., as well as multiple subcontractors and surety bond issuers, involving extensive claims of construction delays, defects, and related damages.

Following a five-week bench trial held over the course of five months in 2025, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas issued its Phase 1 ruling on liability entirely in Chestlen’s favor. The Court found Tutor Perini liable for breach of contract, rejected its counterclaims, and issued additional rulings against subcontractor Carney and its surety Arch Insurance.

This decision marks a major milestone in the litigation, with damages (Phase 2) and Mechanic’s Lien (Phase 3) trials scheduled for early 2026.

RCCB’s involvement was led by S. David Fineman, a seasoned litigator with extensive experience across the government, corporate, and private sectors. RCCB worked in close collaboration with counsel Glaser Weil and co-counsel Blank Rome throughout this phase of the matter in support of Chestlen’s successful outcome.

RCCB is proud to support Chestlen in this important case and looks forward to continuing its work as the litigation proceeds.