The Missouri architectural firm that designed the Iowa Events Center wants a federal jury to hear a lawsuit alleging that lack of coordination on the project resulted in $7 million in cost overruns.

Polk County filed a lawsuit last month in Polk County District Court claiming that lack of completion and coordination of design and construction documents resulted in $4 million in additional expenses for the county and another $3 million that was paid to contractors as a result of delays.

HOK Sports Inc. of Kansas City breached terms of a June 2001 contract with the county for design of the $200 million events center, according to the lawsuit.

The project was put on hold as the result of separate lawsuits against the county that were ultimately dismissed in state courts.

Polk County claims that during those delays, HOK Sports, now known as Populous Inc., had ample opportunity to finish its designs and coordinate construction with contractors.

The firm filed a motion Monday to have the case moved to federal court in Des Moines because it involves residents of separate states.