An architectural contract worth $4.6 million, between the University of Illinois and BLDD Architects, has been put on hold and will undergo investigation after questions about a conflict of interest arose. BLDD is partly owned by Bruce Maxey, the husband of the associate director of planning a the school, Jill Maxey.

Bruce Maxey owns 8.9 percent of the business contracted by the university and Jill Maxey worked at BBLD prior to taking her current university position.

The state Procurement Policy Board has already voted once to void the contract and are expected to review it again on Tuesday. Both the university and BBLD disclosed the details regarding the Maxey’s involvement in the business, but state law prohibits contracts that feature a conflict of interest. [Read more...]