From the Ground Up: Watkins Elementary School storm shelter

Owner: Springfield Public Schools
General contractor: Crossland Construction Co. Inc.
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: $4.4 million
Funding source: Proposition S general obligation bond
Estimated completion: May
Project description: Connected to Watkins Elementary School is a new storm shelter now under construction. Built with concrete, it’s designed to provide shelter for the school population during severe weather events, and it also includes restrooms, according to project officials. When it is not in use as a storm shelter, it will serve as a multipurpose gymnasium with basketball and volleyball courts, bleacher seating and a platform for school activities. This platform doubles as a music room during regular school hours. The shelter also provides storage for associated activities, ensuring resources are readily available. In addition to serving as architect and MEP engineer, Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective is providing interior design services for the facility.