Contractor Sues Developer Over Unpaid Worcester Work

D.F. Pray says Menkiti Group owes more than $1.1 million for renovations at 204 Main St., where construction has stalled.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Construction

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a weathered brick building facade wrapped in pale scaffolding, centered in generous negative space, evoking a stalled downtown redevelopment. — Contractor D.F. Pray sued Menkiti Group on Oct. 20 seeking more than $1.1 million for unpaid work on the stalled Olympic Lofts renovation at 204 Main St. in Worcester. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Seekonk-based contractor D.F. Pray filed a lawsuit against Menkiti Group on Oct. 20, alleging the developer owes more than $1.1 million and seeking court enforcement of a mechanic's lien. The dispute has stalled construction on the Olympic Lofts building at 204 Main St.

Why it matters

The case highlights how payment and safety disputes can halt redevelopment of older downtown buildings in Worcester. Scaffolding remains on the structure while residents occupy part of the building.

Pray seeks more than $1.1 million on a $7.7 million renovation contract for the 204 Main St. project. Menkiti Group disputes the safety allegations and the claim for unapproved work, and the court has not yet ruled.

The players

D.F. Pray

A Seekonk-based contractor that was hired for the Worcester renovations and is pursuing the lawsuit over unpaid work.

Menkiti Group

A Washington, D.C.-based developer that owns the 204 Main St. building and is redeveloping it as Olympic Lofts.

The details

Pray alleges Menkiti Vice President Mark Rengel shared only selected portions of a report finding significant spalling and cracks in the front facade. Menkiti rejected notices of substantial completion and refused to furnish a design, according to the lawsuit, while Menkiti states the claims are false.

2018: Menkiti bought the 204 Main St. building.
2023: Menkiti announced conversion to 20 apartments as Olympic Lofts.
Late 2024: Pray was hired to complete $7.7 million in renovations.
July 31, 2026: Menkiti received a temporary certificate of occupancy for 14 apartments.
Oct. 20, 2026: Pray filed its lawsuit against Menkiti Group.

Industry Landscape

Contractors in Massachusetts routinely rely on mechanic's liens to secure payment when private developers withhold funds during disputed projects. Pray's filing follows that established route for recovering money on a stalled renovation.

Residents of Olympic Lofts and nearby Main Street businesses face uncertainty while scaffolding remains and construction is stalled. The outcome of the mechanic's lien could affect when the building's remaining apartments become available.

The takeaway

Payment disputes between contractors and developers can leave partially occupied buildings in limbo for months. Watching how the court handles the mechanic's lien will show whether the project resumes.