Emerick Construction Faces Growing Legal, Financial Challenges Over Unpaid Contracts and Project Failures

Emerick Construction, a Tualatin, Oregon-based contractor with a history spanning more than 80 years, is under increasing legal and regulatory scrutiny following a series of lawsuits, payment disputes, and license suspensions. The contractor is facing accusations from banks, subcontractors, and state agencies, raising concerns about financial instability and operational mismanagement.

Since August 2024, Emerick has been the subject of at least 18 lawsuits and claims in Oregon courts, with plaintiffs ranging from major financial institutions to small subcontractors. These cases collectively allege millions of dollars in unpaid bills tied to public and private construction projects.

Among the most significant legal actions is a $5.3 million lawsuit filed by Umpqua Bank in April. The bank alleges Emerick defaulted on a $5 million loan, failing to make scheduled payments earlier this year.
“Emerick Logistics has not paid the sums due,” U.S. Bank stated in a separate suit filed in June, seeking $168,000 for an unpaid lease on construction equipment.

The legal troubles have extended beyond the courtroom. In December, the West Linn-Wilsonville School District terminated Emerick’s contract on the Frog Pond Primary School, stating the firm “repeatedly failed to pay its subcontractors for work related to the Frog Pond Primary project despite receiving regular payment from the district.” Triplett Wellman Contractors has since been hired to complete the job.

Emerick’s reputation has further been strained by a recent license suspension. The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) suspended the company’s license from May 30 to June 16 after multiple unpaid debt complaints.
“The suspension was lifted on Tuesday when Emerick paid $24,867 to settle a construction debt,” said CCB spokesperson Leslie Culpepper.

The company has also been targeted by other creditors. Aurora Landscape sued Emerick and its president Corey Lohman for nearly $150,000 in unpaid work on Lohman’s private residence. According to court documents, the Lohmans instructed Aurora “to send all of its bills to Emerick.” A lien and foreclosure attempt followed.

In total, at least nine additional subcontractors have filed complaints with the CCB, many of whom later withdrew or had their claims dismissed. In one case, Consurco, an Idaho-based firm, persistently pursued payment for work on Portland schools.
“When can we expect this check?” Consurco CFO Christina Walters asked in a July email, reflecting the frustration expressed by many of Emerick’s partners.

The troubles extend to past environmental violations as well. In 2022, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality fined Emerick $43,200 for improper site management at New Athey Creek Middle School. The DEQ cited “multiple, significant discharges of turbid stormwater to wetland and the Tualatin River” due to inadequate erosion controls.

Despite settling some lawsuits, Emerick continues to face open litigation and reputational damage. Portland construction attorney Robert B. Coleman, who represented Rich Holland Painting in a $140,000 dispute, said,
“Things shouldn’t have gone as far wrong as they have for Emerick.”

Emerick’s current president, Corey Lohman—once celebrated as a DJC Rising Star in 2013—has declined to comment on the situation. Attempts to reach Emerick’s attorneys have been unsuccessful.

With private-sector construction activity still lagging and public projects becoming increasingly competitive, Emerick now faces stiff headwinds. In one recent example, the City of Cannon Beach replaced Emerick as its contractor for a planned City Hall and police station after cost estimates came in too high.
“We decided to go in a different direction,” said City Manager Bruce St. Denis, confirming the city is now working with P&C Construction instead.

Once a staple in Oregon’s commercial construction sector, Emerick Construction is now fighting to maintain its legacy amid mounting financial, legal, and regulatory pressure.

Originally reported by Chuck Slowthower in DJC Oregon.