Business Owner’s Lawsuit Against Nittany Mall Says Leaky Roof Caused Extensive Damage to Inventory

A lawsuit filed Thursday accuses the Nittany Mall’s owner of gross negligence after a business allegedly sustained more than $565,000 in damage to inventory because of a leaky roof.

Mark Harrison, whose e-commerce business MRH Consulting sells designer wristwatches and used a unit at the College Township mall for inventory storage, says he notified management of the leaks multiple times before a rain event in the spring left “a sizable portion” of merchandise unfit for resale.

During the week of March 15-22, “rainwater infiltrated the roof and ceiling above the unit through ceiling tiles and light fixtures, running down the walls and pooling on the floor,” attorney Philip Miles III wrote in the complaint. The rainwater seeped through boxes on the floor and also caused a number of ceiling tiles to fall on them, causing further damage, according to the filing.

An April 4 inspection “revealed evidence of several attempted repairs, as well as widespread cracking in the roof,” demonstrating that owner Namdar Realty Group “knew or should have known about the poor condition of the roof and related water infiltration issues,” Miles wrote.

Harrison says he previously notified mall management in December and February of leaks and was assured the issue would be addressed. He also says he took steps to protect his inventory.

The problem was not limited to Harrison’s unit, Miles wrote. Across the mall, evidence of rainwater infiltration included ceilings with water stains and missing tiles, peeling plaster and paint on walls and ceilings and caution signs warning of wet floors, according to the lawsuit.

The two-count lawsuit filed in Centre County Court accuses Namdar Realty and associated entities of negligence and gross negligence.

Harrison is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.