Krusi

I. Introduction

In 1995, two testamentary trusts (hereinafter appellants), purchased a two-story commercial building. The following year, they filed suit against respondents, the architects and contractors who designed and constructed the building in 1985-1987, alleging improper design and/or construction. The trial court granted respondents summary judgment on the basis that appellants, the fourth owners of the building, lacked standing to sue. We affirm.

n. Factual and Procedural Background

The building at issue in this case is located at 3351 El Camino Real in Atherton, San Mateo County. Construction on it started in September 1985 and a notice of completion was filed in March 1987. Respondents, defendants below, are the building’s architects and general contractor and some of the latter’s subcontractors.

The owner of the building when it was completed was a corporation named Atherton Square II Associates, Inc. That entity was, apparently, the successor in interest to a partnership known as Atherton Square Partnership, which was the entity that originally contracted with the architects for the design of the building. In September 1990, another partnership, 3351 El…