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Aquascape Designs Seeks $13 Million for Collapse of Headquarters' Green Roof 08-12-13 | News

Aquascape Designs Seeks $13 Million for Collapse of Headquarters' Green Roof

The partial green roof collapse over the parking area at the headquarters of Aquascape Designs in St. Charles, Illinois occurred after a 20-inch snow. An exterior wall was also damaged.

Aquascape Designs, a Chicago area water feature design and installation company, is suing eight construction businesses and subcontractors, including an architectural firm, for $13 million for the partial collapse of a green roof at the company's headquarters in St. Charles, Ill., on Feb. 13, 2011.

The lawsuit states the "structure was not appropriately designed or constructed." Aquascape says it incurred significant costs to repair the roof, plus the costs of moving employees to a temporary location while roof work was completed.

The defendants claim they are not liable, because Aquascape signed a rider to a contract that waives their right to seek damages. The defendants assert the owner's property insurance was intended to be the only source of recovery in the event of an insured loss.

The collapse happened on a Sunday and involved no injuries.

A ruling on the case is expected in late November.