Cleveland Wrecking Company v. Central National Bank, etc., et al..

Gary Leydig brought this breach of contract and mechanic's lien foreclosure suit on behalf of his demolition contractor client. Following a multi-week bench trial, judgment was rendered for the client in excess of $400,000. The award included base contract claims, as well as "extras" and delay damages. Additionally, judgment was entered against the defendants on their counterclaim alleging $1,000,000 in delay damages. The judgment was affirmed on appeal. The appeal is also noteworthy since it was the first decision in Illinois to find demolition as a lienable "improvement" to property.