Case: United States v. Summerhill Place

2:10-cv-01150 | U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Filed Date: July 16, 2010

Closed Date: 2014

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

On July 16, 2010, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, under the Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3631, against the owners, operators and managers of a 268-unit apartment complex located in Renton Washington. The U.S. claimed that Defendants engaged in a pattern and practice of intentional discrimination against African Americans, Hispanics, people from India, and families with children by instructing staff not to show newly renovated apartments to them, steering them to less desirable buildings, demanding proof of citizenship, asking them not to speak to one another in their first language, requiring stricter application requirements, and refusing services. These behaviors were confirmed by testing conducted by the Fair Housing Council of Washington.The case proceeded towards trial, but then settled on March 7, 2011, when the Court (Judge James Robart) approved a jointly submitted Consent Decree. Besides general non-discrimination provisions, the Decree prohibited the defendant owner from employing its manager in any position in connection with housing rentals. It also required adoption, implementation, and notification to tenants of a Uniform Nondiscriminatory Procedure, and employee training on Fair Housing Act requirements. In included provisions on recordkeeping, monitoring, and reporting, to facilitate compliance. Finally, the defendants agreed to pay $85,000 for the establishment of a settlement fund for victims of the Defendants' discrimination and a $25,000 civil penalty to be paid to the United States.The consent decree terminated in 2014, and the case is now closed.

Summary Authors

Clearinghouse (10/12/2012)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4410661/parties/united-states-v-summerhill-place-llc/

Judge(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Abernathy, Terri J (Washington)

Allen, Julie (District of Columbia)

Altman, Stephen D (Washington)

Armijo, Rumaldo R (Washington)

AUSA, Jesse M (Washington)

Judge(s)

Robart, James L. (Washington)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Abernathy, Terri J (Washington)

Allen, Julie (District of Columbia)

Altman, Stephen D (Washington)

Armijo, Rumaldo R (Washington)

AUSA, Jesse M (Washington)

Baka, Gregory (Washington)

Beck, Matthew (Washington)

Burke, Matthew (Washington)

Burrell, Meredith (Washington)

Camacho, Renee L (Washington)

Clayton, Lindsay Laurie (Washington)

Durkan, Jenny A (Washington)

Eichenholtz, Seth D. (Washington)

Frank, Beth Susan (New York)

Given, Emily (Washington)

Goldberg, Arthur R (Washington)

Gugin, Patricia D (Washington)

Harrington, Quinn Patrick (Washington)

Hendry, Melanie Dyani (Washington)

Hertz, Michael F (Washington)

Horwitz, Matthew Joseph (Washington)

Houten, Kathryn E (Washington)

Hurtado, Samuel A. (Washington)

Johnson, Kristin Berger (Washington)

Jordan, Aaron O (Washington)

Kaminski, Gerald Francis (Washington)

Keegan, Ruth Fuess (Washington)

Keeley, Brian K (Washington)

Kennebrew, Delora (Washington)

Kinner, Russell B (Washington)

Kotz, Stephen R. (Washington)

Lawrence, Kathleen O'Malley (Washington)

Levingston, Luttrell (Washington)

Lucero, Manuel (Washington)

Mark, Carolyn G (Washington)

McElvain, Joel (Washington)

McEvoy, Lauren Mary (Washington)

Messec, Paige (Washington)

Moran, Timothy (District of Columbia)

Murphy, Michael D (Washington)

Murray, Jeffrey (Washington)

Mysliwiec, Paul (Washington)

Nathanson, John Alexander (Washington)

O'Brien, Thomas Peter (Washington)

Office, United States (Washington)

Ong, Marisa A (Washington)

Perez, Alfred Juarez (Washington)

Powell, Kelly (Washington)

Rosenbaum, Steven H. (District of Columbia)

Salgado, Pamela (Washington)

Schwab, Mikel W. (Washington)

Stanford, Jon K (Washington)

Strong, James C. (Washington)

Tait, Monica E (Washington)

Taylor, Brock (Washington)

Waldorf, James J (Washington)

Wiethe, Donetta Donaldson (Washington)

Wogaman, Paul J (Washington)

Attorney Contact Information via CourtListener

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case

2:10-cv-01150	Docket United States v. Summerhill Place, LLC	March 8, 2012	March 8, 2012 Docket
1 2:10-cv-01150	Complaint United States v. Summerhill Place, LLC	July 16, 2010	July 16, 2010 Complaint
19-1 2:10-cv-01150	Consent Order United States v. Summerhill Place, LLC	March 8, 2011	March 8, 2011 Settlement Agreement
22 2:10-cv-01150	Stipulation and Order Regarding Distribution of Settlement Fund United States of America v. Summerhill LLC, Gran, Inc., and Rita Lovejoy	March 8, 2013	March 8, 2013 Settlement Agreement

show / hide documents

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4410661/united-states-v-summerhill-place-llc/

Last updated March 28, 2026, 5:21 a.m.

ECF Number	Date	Description	Link
1	July 16, 2010	COMPLAINT against defendant(s) All Defendants, filed by United States. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Allen, Julie) (Fee Waived) (Entered: 07/16/2010) 1 Civil Cover Sheet View on PACER	Clearinghouse
2	July 29, 2010	WAIVER OF SERVICE of summons upon defendant Summerhill Place, LLC mailed on 7/16/2010 (Allen, Julie) (Entered: 07/29/2010)	RECAP
3	July 29, 2010	WAIVER OF SERVICE of summons upon defendant Rita Lovejoy mailed on 7/16/2010 (Allen, Julie) (Entered: 07/29/2010)	RECAP
4	July 29, 2010	WAIVER OF SERVICE of summons upon defendant GRAN, Inc. mailed on 7/16/2010 (Allen, Julie) (Entered: 07/29/2010)	RECAP
5	Aug. 5, 2010	ORDER REGARDING INITIAL DISCLOSURES, JOINT STATUS REPORT AND EARLY SETTLEMENT Joint Status Report due by 10/4/2010, FRCP 26f Conference Deadline is 9/20/2010, Initial Disclosure Deadline is 10/4/2010, by Judge James L. Robart. (CC) (Entered: 08/05/2010)	RECAP
6	Aug. 11, 2010	NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Pamela Salgado on behalf of Defendants GRAN, Inc., Rita Lovejoy, Summerhill Place, LLC. (Salgado, Pamela) (Entered: 08/11/2010)	RECAP
7	Aug. 11, 2010	NOTICE of Appearance by attorney Brian K Keeley on behalf of Defendants GRAN, Inc., Rita Lovejoy, Summerhill Place, LLC. (Keeley, Brian) (Entered: 08/11/2010)	RECAP
8	Sept. 10, 2010	STIPULATION AND PROPOSED ORDER Extending Deadlines by parties. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Salgado, Pamela) (Entered: 09/10/2010) 1 Proposed Order View on PACER	RECAP
9	Sept. 14, 2010	CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT pursuant to FRCP 7.1. by Summerhill Place, LLC Filed by Defendant Summerhill Place, LLC.(Salgado, Pamela) (Entered: 09/14/2010)	RECAP
10	Sept. 14, 2010	CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT pursuant to FRCP 7.1. by GRAN, Inc. Filed by Defendant GRAN, Inc..(Salgado, Pamela) (Entered: 09/14/2010)	RECAP
11	Oct. 5, 2010	ANSWER to Complaint by GRAN, Inc., Rita Lovejoy, Summerhill Place, LLC.(Salgado, Pamela) (Entered: 10/05/2010)	RECAP
12	Oct. 8, 2010	ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION FOR ORDER EXTENDING DEADLINES by Judge James L. Robart, re 8 Stipulation; Defts' Answers are due 10/5/2010, FRCP 26f Conference Deadline is 10/12/2010, Initial Disclosure Deadline is 10/25/2010, Combined Joint Status Report and Discovery Plan due by 10/25/2010. (TF) (Entered: 10/08/2010)	RECAP
13	Oct. 25, 2010	JOINT STATUS REPORT signed by all parties estimated Trial Days: 15.. (Allen, Julie) (Entered: 10/25/2010)	RECAP
14	Nov. 10, 2010	MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge James L. Robart- Dep Clerk: Casey Condon; Pla Counsel: Julie Allen, Harold Malkin; Def Counsel: Pamela Salgado, Brian Keeley; CR: Denae Hovland; Status Conference held on 11/10/2010. The court hears from counsel re background of case. The court advises counsel regarding the preservation of electronic documents. Electronic documents regarding Summerhill Place and fair housing policies must be preserved regardless of the physical location of the computer containing the electronic document. The court suggests each side have their technology personnel work together with counsel regarding the production of electronic documents. Further guidance from the court concerning electronic discovery is provided in the transcript of the hearing. The court limits trial to no more than 8 days. A scheduling order shall follow. (CC) (Entered: 11/18/2010)	RECAP
15	Nov. 18, 2010	STIPULATION AND PROPOSED Protective Order by parties. (Keeley, Brian) Modified text on 11/19/2010 (MD). (Entered: 11/18/2010)	RECAP
16	Nov. 19, 2010	MINUTE ORDER SETTING TRIAL DATE AND RELATED DATES, AND DESIGNATING CASE FOR MEDIATION; Length of Trial: 8 days. Mediation shall be completed no later than thirty (30) days prior to the trial date. Jury Trial is set for 5/15/2012 at 09:00 AM before Judge James L. Robart. Joinder of Parties due by 12/17/2010, Amended Pleadings due by 11/17/2011, Expert Witness Disclosure/Reports under FRCP 26(a)(2) due by 11/17/2011, Motions due by 12/19/2011, Discovery completed by 1/17/2012, Dispositive motions due by 2/15/2012, Settlement conference to be held by 3/16/2012, 39.1 mediation to be completed by 4/16/2012, Motions in Limine due by 4/17/2012, Pretrial Order due by 4/26/2012, Pretrial Conference set for 4/30/2012 at 02:00 PM before Judge James L. Robart. Trial briefs to be submitted by 5/7/2012, Proposed voir dire/jury instructions due by 5/7/2012, by Judge James L. Robart. (CC) (Entered: 11/19/2010)	RECAP
17	Nov. 29, 2010	STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDER by Judge James L. Robart. (MD) (Entered: 11/29/2010)	RECAP
18	Dec. 9, 2010	NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of Hearing held on 11/10/2010 before Judge James L. Robart.Parties have ten (10) calendar days to file with the court a Notice of Intent to Request Redaction of this transcript. If no such Notice is filed, the transcript may be made remotely electronically available to the public without redaction after 90 calendar days.Transcript may be viewed at the court public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through PACER. Information regarding the policy can be found on the court's website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov.To purchase a copy of the transcript contact court reporter Denae Hovland by telephone at 206-370-8505. . Release of Transcript Restriction set for 3/9/2011, (LMK) (Entered: 12/10/2010)	RECAP
19	March 7, 2011	Agreed MOTION Entry of Proposed Consent Order by Plaintiff United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Entry of Proposed Consent Order, # 2 Appendix A to Consent Order, # 3 Appendix B through E) Noting Date 3/7/2011, (Gugin, Patricia) (Entered: 03/07/2011)	RECAP
20	March 8, 2011	CONSENT ORDER granting 19 Motion for Proposed consent order by Judge James L. Robart.(MD) (Entered: 03/08/2011)	RECAP
21	March 8, 2012	PROPOSED ORDER (Unsigned) Regarding the Distribution of Settlement Fund. (Allen, Julie) (Entered: 03/08/2012)	RECAP
22	March 8, 2012	STIPULATION AND ORDER OF DISTRIBUTION of Settlement Funds by Judge James L. Robart. (MD, cc to Fin'l Dept) (Entered: 03/08/2012)	RECAP

show / hide docket entries

Case Details

State / Territory:

Washington

Case Type(s):

Fair Housing/Lending/Insurance

Special Collection(s):

Multi-LexSum (in sample)

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 16, 2010

Closing Date: 2014

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

U.S. Dept. of Justice Civil Rights Division

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Private Entity/Person

GRAN, Inc.

Summerhill Place, LLC

Defendant Type(s):

Multi-family housing provider

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Fair Housing Act/Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601 et seq.

Other Dockets:

Western District of Washington 2:10-cv-01150

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Injunctive (or Injunctive-like) Relief

Monetary Relief

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff OR Mixed

Relief Granted:

Damages

Injunction / Injunctive-like Settlement

Source of Relief:

Settlement

Form of Settlement:

Court Approved Settlement or Consent Decree

Content of Injunction:

Develop anti-discrimination policy

Discrimination Prohibition

Implement complaint/dispute resolution process

Monitoring

Provide antidiscrimination training

Recordkeeping

Reporting

Amount Defendant Pays: 110,000

Order Duration: 2011 - 2014

Issues

General/Misc.:

Housing

Racial segregation

Discrimination Area:

Disparate Treatment

Housing Sales/Rental

Steering

Discrimination Basis:

Family discrimination

National origin discrimination

Race discrimination

Affected National Origin/Ethnicity(s):

Hispanic

Indian

Affected Race(s):

Black

Recommended Citation

Case Summary of United States v. Summerhill Place, Civil Rights Litig. Clearinghouse, http://www.dev.clearinghouse.net/case/11914/ (last updated 10/12/2012).