Take cover in Eastland’s 12,500-SF gymnasium and music room

EASTLAND, EASTLAND COUNTY – The Eastland Independent School District’s plan for a new gymnasium and music room connected to the district’s elementary school comes with a twist.

In addition to serving students in those capacities, the facility also will provide all Eastland residents shelter from natural disasters, including tornadoes.

Superintendent Jason Cochran said the domed building is expected to be completed by the summer.

American Business Continuity Domes Inc. was selected to install the building’s covering by the district’s Fort Worth-based general contractor, Sedalco Construction Services.

The structure will cover 12,500 sf, with 16-foot, eight-inch walls securing the facility. The dome is 126 feet in diameter.

The majority of the building is being financed by a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant awarded to the district in 2013.

Working with the City of Eastland, the school district matched part of the cost, paying about $484,000 of the $1.9 million.