July 18, 2024 – In a shocking revelation, San Francisco’s prestigious tech mogul, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has embroiled himself in a legal battle with a renowned property developer over a lavish mansion plagued by alleged quality issues. Altman, who splashed out $27 million on the property, has filed a lawsuit against Troon Pacific, accusing the developer of “widespread shoddy craftsmanship and cost-cutting measures” that undermine the prestigious image of the 9,500 square-foot (approximately 883 square meters) residence.
Nestled on the renowned Lombard Street overlooking the cityscape and the bay, the mansion boasts an array of luxurious amenities, including a breathtaking infinity pool suspended on all sides, a garage reminiscent of a “Batman’s lair,” and an innovative system harnessing recycled rainwater for garden irrigation and toilet flushing. However, beneath its gleaming facade, the mansion harbors a tale of disappointment and disarray.
Altman’s legal team, having initiated proceedings in a San Francisco court last week, alleges that Troon Pacific engaged in “misleading advertising of the highest quality construction” solely to “expedite sales.” The suit further contends that the developer failed to engage competent contractors, some of whom, due to unpaid dues, allegedly retaliated by blockage drainage and sewage pipes with garbage bags and debris.
The consequences of these alleged “subpar” practices were dire, with the pool leaking last August, flooding the lower level of the mansion, resulting in the collapse of plaster ceilings and a proliferation of mold. The estimated cost to rectify the pool alone could exceed $4 million, exclusive of other pressing issues such as sewage bursting through unconnected bathroom pipes, pervasive irrigation leaks, and leaky skylights.
Altman’s predicament echoes a broader pattern of dissatisfaction with Troon Pacific’s work. In May this year, the developer was ordered to reimburse investors $50 million following the abandonment of a San Francisco renovation project and accusations of embezzling millions.
As Altman navigates the uncertainties of this legal odyssey, he may find himself temporarily resigned to living with the mansion’s shortcomings, pondering if even ChatGPT could offer insights into resolving his unconventional domestic dilemma.
