Hurst v. v & M of Virginia, Inc.

The Court holds today that a completed modular unit in a shopping center does not constitute a "building” within the meaning of Maryland’s mechanics’ lien law. The Court holds that the shopping mall itself is the "building” and in order for any lien to attach workmen must have improved the entire mall to the extent of 25% of its value. I respectfully dissent.

Maryland’s mechanics’ lien law was enacted to encourage construction by ensuring that artisans, materialmen, contractors, suppliers, laborers and others who enhanced the value of a project received payment for their toil. Barry Properties…