Contractor Sues Retailer Over Remodeling Project

An Idaho-based general contractor is suing Fred Meyer Inc. and its parent, Kroger Co., claiming the retail chain improperly dumped the contractor over the renovation of a Fairbanks, Alaska store.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported Datum Construction Management of Boise is asking for $5.1 million.

Datum was originally in charge of the $20 million remodeling project.

Fred Meyer officials dropped the company in October after 18 months on the job. The retailer said Datum has missed milestones and violated its contract.

Datum in the lawsuit says Fred Meyer breached the contract.

Anchorage attorney Steven Jones says Fred Meyer managers made numerous changes to the scope of the project, gave slow responses to questions, denied change orders and interfered with subcontractors.