Hunter
08/03/23
Despite an arbitration hearing scheduled for next May between the University of Iowa and the contractors they claim installed defective windows in the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, the suit may be dismissed January 1st if the University cannot convince a judge that it should run its course.
The Gazette reports Johnson County District Court notified the parties that Iowa law requires cases more than one year old to be tried before the start of a new calendar year. The suit was filed on June 10th, 2022.
In September 2022, the two sides- the University of Iowa and defendants Cupples International and Knutson Construction Services Midwest- agreed to arbitration on the estimated $45 million in replacement costs for the windows. However, that hearing is set for May 6th through the 24th, well past the December 31st deadline.
The Gazette reports UI attorneys asked the Court this week not to dismiss the case for lack of activity, noting neither side can provide a date of a final arbitration award “until the evidence is concluded.”
The hospital, which has had disputes with other contractors during and after construction, has seen its original budget of $270.8 million soar to possibly $450 million.