Melvin Mark in, Signature out after Lincoln Center 'coup.' (Melvin Mark Brokerage Co.; Signature Properties Inc.)(office complex leasing contract)

Management of Tigard's scandal-marred Lincoln Center office complex has been handed over to downtown Portland real estate powerhouse Melvin "Pete" Mark Jr.

The leasing contract for the 740,000-square-foot complex is a plum for Melvin Mark Brokerage Co., giving the Mark empire a key foothold in the suburbs.

But the company edged out by Mark's brokerage, Signature Properties Inc., is fighting the decision, depicting it as a "coup."

Signature sued Melvin Mark Brokerage Co. and several Mark employees May 12 in Washington County Circuit Court, accusing them of interfering with Signature's leasing contract for Lincoln Center. Mark employees are accused of appropriating Signature's phones and signs, and directing employees to take orders from Mark officials instead of Signature.

Barbara Radler, a Ball Janik & Novack attorney representing The Melvin Mark Companies, said the suit was "groundless." …