Veterinary Clinic Sues Construction Firm Over Botched Expansion Project

Rusty Ridge Animal Center alleges numerous issues with Apex Design Build's work on new facility.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring architectural blueprints, a tape measure, and a hardhat, conceptually representing the challenges of construction and project management.A lawsuit over a botched veterinary clinic construction project exposes the risks small businesses face when working with contractors.Shorewood Today

Dr. Joe Chow's Rusty Ridge Animal Center has filed a lawsuit against construction firm Apex Design Build, alleging numerous issues with the design and construction of the veterinary clinic's new facility in Shorewood, Illinois. The lawsuit claims Apex failed to complete the project properly, leading to problems that have prevented Rusty Ridge from obtaining a permanent business license to operate.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges small businesses can face when working with contractors on major construction projects. The lawsuit raises concerns about shoddy workmanship, design flaws, and project delays that can significantly impact a company's ability to operate and serve customers.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Rusty Ridge Animal Center entered into a $4.8 million contract with Apex Design Build in November 2024 to design and build the new veterinary clinic facility. However, the plaintiffs allege that Apex failed to complete its obligations, leading to a range of issues including improper installation of building materials, incomplete work on kennels and cabinetry, and design errors that prevented the installation of key equipment like a commercial laundry unit and water treadmill. The lawsuit claims these problems have prevented Rusty Ridge from obtaining a permanent business license from the city of Shorewood.

  • In June 2025, Apex notified Dr. Chow it could not install an MRI unit due to specification issues.
  • In July 2025, the plaintiffs discovered Apex had improperly installed fiberglass instead of the required Rockwool soundproofing.
  • From September to October 2025, the project broke down further with Apex failing to complete grading and other tasks.
  • In October 2025, the plaintiffs learned Apex's design contained errors that prevented the installation of key equipment.
  • From November to December 2025, Apex rushed to complete the remaining work, leaving numerous incomplete or defective items.

The players

Dr. Joe Chow

The sole member and manager of Hometown Veterinary Group and Five Three Ranch, which own the property and building housing Rusty Ridge Animal Center.

Apex Design Build

A construction firm based in Rosemont, Illinois that was hired to design and build the new Rusty Ridge Animal Center facility.

Hometown Veterinary Group

The plaintiff entity that owns the 9-acre property where the new Rusty Ridge Animal Center is located.

Five Three Ranch

The plaintiff entity that owns the building housing the new Rusty Ridge Animal Center.

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

The Chicago law firm representing Rusty Ridge Animal Center in the lawsuit against Apex Design Build.

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What they’re saying

“To date, the majority of the items on the list have not been remedied.”

— Rusty Ridge Animal Center, Plaintiff

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to award damages and legal fees to Rusty Ridge Animal Center.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the importance of thorough vetting and clear communication when small businesses work with construction firms on major projects. The issues faced by Rusty Ridge Animal Center underscore the need for strong contracts and oversight to protect against shoddy workmanship and design flaws.