From the Ground Up: Pittman Elementary School storm shelter

Owner: Springfield Public Schools
General contractor: BP Builders LLC
Architect: Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective
Engineers: Toth and Associates Inc., civil and structural; and Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 9,617 square feet
Cost: $4.8 million
Funding source: Proposition S general obligation bond
Estimated completion: August
Project description: A storm shelter to provide protection to the school population during severe weather events is nearing completion at Pittman Elementary School in east Springfield. The prestressed concrete building will be used as a multipurpose gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts and music room and is also equipped with restrooms. Bleacher seating is included with a platform for school activities. The shelter is joined to the school by a connecting corridor. The project is funded by Proposition S, the $220 million bond approved by voters in April 2023, and similar shelters are underway or already complete at five other SPS elementary schools.