Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld Helps Secure $174+ Million Award for Chestlen Development in Major Construction Litigation

Royer Cooper Cohen Braunfeld LLC (RCCB) was part of a team that secured a significant litigation victory for Chestlen Development (“Chestlen”), a real estate investment and development firm and owner of the 52-story, 755-room W Hotel and Element Hotel (Marriott) in Philadelphia. The matter involved a complex dispute against general contractor Tutor Perini Building Corp. (“Tutor Perini”), along with related subcontractors and surety bond issuers, arising from construction delays and defect-related damages.

Following the liability and damages phases of trial, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas issued an order and opinion on April 13, 2026, awarding compensatory damages to Chestlen in the amount of $174,681,212.00 based on Tutor Perini’s breaches of contract. The Court further held that liquidated damages and pre-judgment interest will continue to accrue until entry of a final judgment.

This damages award follows an October 2025 liability ruling, issued after a five-week bench trial, in which the Court found Tutor Perini liable for breach of contract and rejected its counterclaims against Chestlen. A subsequent damages trial was held in January 2026, with post-trial submissions completed the following month.

RCCB partner S. David Fineman, who represented Chestlen, noted: “The Court’s ruling affirms Chestlen’s position and reflects the strength of the record developed over years of litigation. We are pleased to have supported Chestlen in achieving this result.”

This result highlights RCCB’s ability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation matters and deliver strong outcomes for clients in significant commercial disputes.

View additional coverage in the Philadelphia Business Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription).