20100 Eastex v. Saltgrass: Disputed Covenants and Drafter Intent

This legal opinion from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals addresses a long-standing property dispute between 20100 Eastex, L.L.C. and Saltgrass, Incorporated regarding restrictive covenants on land in Texas. The central conflict involves whether a Reciprocal Easement Agreement required Eastex to obtain written permission from Saltgrass before demolishing an existing building to construct a new restaurant. While Eastex argued the contract only governed areas affecting shared easements, the court relied on the uncontroverted testimony of the original drafter to determine the restrictions applied to all new construction on the parcels. Ultimately, the court affirmed summary judgment in favor of Saltgrass, ruling that the parties' original intent was clearly established by the evidence. Furthermore, the court remanded the case for the calculation of appellate attorney fees, finding that Saltgrass was the contractually entitled prevailing party.