Some loyal Parliament House fans feared they were losing their favorite hangout when on Aug. 17, several people posted links on Facebook and WatermarkOnline.com to court documents. Those sharing the links claimed the documents revealed everything from a foreclosure to a bankruptcy, but Parliament House owner Don Granatstein said the truth is both messier and simpler.
“Everyone is suing everyone but it should all be resolved on [Aug. 20],” he said.
The documents in question are related to a complaint against Parliament House filed by Southwest Guaranty, Ltd, a partnership that loaned P-House more than 7 million dollars.
Granastein dismissed the case, saying Southwest is in bankruptcy proceedings and “they’re making as much trouble as possible because they’re losing my assets.”
Granastein said Compass Bank loaned Southwest the money, and now that Southwest is in bankruptcy, they’re fighting over who can claim Parliament House assets as security for the loan.
“It has to do with who will be our lender, whether it’s Southwest or Compass,” he said.
Orlando law firm Winderweedle, Haines, Ward & Woodman are representing Southwest. An attorney with the firm who asked not to have his name released said there’s a receivership hearing set for Aug. 25, where they’re asking the court to take over the property and control the proceeds of the business.
“I guarantee that hearing never happens,” said Granastein.
He said Southwest is “dead” and since the laws in Florida state the assignee owns the assets once they’re in default, “[Southwest is] fighting for anything.”
Granastein said regardless of the outcome, its business as usual at the Parliament House.
