FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: James O'Connor, UNI Office of Public Relations, (319) 273-2761
CEDAR FALLS —The University of Northern Iowa today filed a lawsuit in Black Hawk County District Court against three companies in conjunction with the replacement of the UNI-Dome's roof.
The suit names as defendants Penn Co Construction of Eagan, Minn., as well as Light Structures Design Consultants and De Nardis Associates, both of White Plains, New York. The UNI-Dome's original air-supported fabric roof collapsed in December 1994, and was replaced with a steel-supported metal and fabric roof.
According to the court document, the university entered into a contract with Light Structures and De Nardis Associates in December 1996, for approximately $870,000. The two companies were to provide architectural, engineering, design and construction services for the replacement of the UNI-Dome roof and other improvements to the facility. In August 1997, the university and Penn Co entered into a $9.3 million contract to have Penn Co perform the actual construction.
In the suit, the university alleges a number of defects in the project, including roof leaks; warping and twisting of the roof structure; improper design and construction of the roof's steel support structure; the need for modifications to the existing structure in order to withstand the weight of the new roof; improper construction of the sports floor; and improper design and construction of the mechanical systems, electrical systems, sound system and metal and fabric roof.
Other allegations include failure by Light Structures and De Nardis to prepare sufficient plans and specifications, inspect and document structural condition of the existing facility and subsurface conditions, review and inspect the construction of the project, and inspect existing mechanical and electrical systems. The suit further alleges that Penn Co has refused to complete the project or correct deficiencies, and that Light Structures and De Nardis have failed and refused to perform their obligations under the contract.
The suit does not specify amount of damages, noting that “damages to the plaintiffs are continuing and progressive in nature.” It further claims that the university incurred financial harm because of construction delays, and that it has and will incur damages to inspect, review and repair or replace the UNI-Dome roof.
At the present time, plans call for the UNI-Dome to continue to be used as planned. The university has hired an outside engineering firm to review the project and assist in continued assessment and correction of the situation.
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