Six years after construction wrapped on the Allen County Regional Hospital building, the hospitals board of trustees received its first settlement payment to fix 12 leaking showers.
A payment of $40,000 was received in June, the first of three installments as part of a $175,000 agreement with contractors who built the facility in 2013. Chief Financial Officer Larry Peterson said the remaining payments are expected this month and in August.
Soon after construction of the hospital building, water leaks were discovered in showers in different areas, with water seeping into some patient rooms. Extensive examinations revealed problems with construction and incorrect building specs. Cameras inserted into the walls found issues with numerous showers, even though some leaks had not breached patient rooms.
The hospital eventually sued the builder, Murray Company of Overland Park, before reaching a mediation agreement. In addition to Murray Company, several contractors were involved in the agreement.
About 12 showers will need repairs; those costs are expected to be covered by the settlement.
