Mercedes’ 20,000-SF dome-shaped Safe Room nears completion

MERCEDES –  The 20,000-sf Safe Room and Community Recreation Center is nearly completion in August. The dome is capable of withstanding tornado and hurricane force winds of up to 200 mph.

The Texas Department of Emergency Management’s Texas Safe Shelter Initiative monolithic dome is located on the north end of Vermont Ave.

Currently, the cost of construction is $3.8 million, with 75 percent funded by FEMA grants.

The first phase of the project should be completed by August 15, 2015.

The city manager also stressed that the project has been several years in the making and is part of an ongoing master plan that will eventually include a sports complex and a park.

It will also serve as a recreation center equipped with a gymnasium, computer learning centers and meeting space.