The city on filed a $20 million negligence lawsuit Feb. 18 against the developer of the Da Vinci Apartments, alleging improper construction and security led to the damage of nearby city buildings when an arson fire nearly burned the massive complex to the ground.

The lawsuit, filed by the city attorney’s office, contends that Geoffrey H. Palmer and his GH Palmer Associates used defective construction methods, such as failing to have a proper fire-protection plan, properly install firewalls or doors, provide a water supply for firefighting or provide adequate security measures that could have prevented the arsonist from getting onto the property.

The developer allowed construction of a building that was “more susceptible than normal to becoming swiftly engulfed in flames,” according to the lawsuit.

More details here.