Opinion ID: 1660992
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: National Tea.

Text: The instrument entered into with the National Tea Company on November 30, 1956, was denominated a lease agreement.

A one story concrete block store consisting of approximately 15,000 square feet to be located in the Twin Plaza Shopping Center abutting Rice Street between Montana and Arlington Avenues, which demised premises are definitely located on plat plan attached hereto and more particularly described in, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the rider hereto attached and made a part hereof. The rider provided: The premises covered by this lease are described as follows: That portion of the building indicated as Store No. 29 on the plat plan of the Twin Plaza Shopping Center which is hereto attached and made a part of this lease, erected on [description of entire shopping center premises]   . The demised premises will consist of a one-story concrete block store without basement, approximately one hundred twenty-five feet (125') wide and one hundred twenty feet (120') in depth. (b) Duty to Construct. By other provisions of the instrument, defendant covenanted to begin construction on or before September 1, 1957, and to proceed with due diligence to complete the premises by March 1, 1958.
Another provision stated: Although the term of this lease is for a period of ten (10) years from and after the 1st day of March, 1958, it is understood between the parties that the premises are not presently ready for occupancy and that it is contemplated by the parties that the premises will be completed and ready for occupancy on or before March 1, 1958.
The lessee was empowered to cancel if construction were not commenced on said date, by giving the lessor written notice of cancellation prior to actual commencement of construction, whereupon, if the lessor did not commence construction within 30 days of such notice, the lease would terminate and be of no force and effect. If construction were not completed (except by reason of enumerated extraordinary causes) by September 1, 1959, the lessee was empowered to cancel the lease by written notice given at any time thereafter prior to its actual acceptance of the premises.
Still another provision stated: It is further agreed that lessor shall not be liable for failure to deliver the possession of the demised premises on March 1, 1958, nor shall such failure excuse lessee's obligations hereunder.