Jerry's Jones's other building-related problem

The lawsuits have begun flying over the Cowboys' Valley Ranch practice field structure collapse. The fabric-covered steel structure collapsed May 2, tragically injuring 11 people, including permanently paralyzing one coaching assistant. Not named (so far) in the filings are the Cowboys team or the City of Irving, which says it cannot find the official, engineer-stamped submittal drawings from 2003 for the lightweight structure. The City has also faced questions about an alteration done in 2008 before the collapse that involved replacing the fabric skin (a critical part of the structural integrity of the roof). According the the Dallas Morning News, structural steel modifications were made during the skin replacement job that were not mentioned in a permit application filed with the City. Irving never inspected the alteration work. Irving City Council member Beth Van Duyne has called for an investigation of the Building Department's record keeping practices. Many conflicting statements, disavowals of responsibility, and cover-ups of apparent mismanagement of the engineering design and documentation are showing up.
At one point it was reported that the Cowboys team was listed as the building contractor in some filed documents, which would be very unusual. Perhaps the real story will be revealed; I support Ms. Van Duyne's efforts to get an investigation underway.

Folks, here's a lesson--enlist a reputable engineer with solid, relevant experience, and follow that engineer's recommendations. That goes especially for experimental, cutting-edge structures.