Lawton Public Schools Multiple Safe Rooms

Lawton, OK

All schools want a safe place for students to go when stormy weather arises, and Lawton, OK, was no exception. After Lawton voters passed a $100 million school bond, the district allotted $14.5 million for new storm shelters. Crossland built the shelters for seven elementary schools that lacked any interior rooms large enough to hold students in the event of threatening weather.

The project included new construction of seven precast concrete structures – ranging from 3500 to 4500 square feet – and each shelter housed three classrooms and restrooms. Many of the shelters will have additional uses, as determined by the principles of each school. For example, the Woodland Hills structure will also store musical instruments.

The shelters were constructed with 10″ concrete walls that can withstand sustained winds of 250MPH, and all doors and windows (including hardware) are FEMA rated to resist 2″ X4″ projectiles. The precast concrete panels for the building exteriors were painted to match and aesthetically blend with the existing schools. Interiors have a nice, modern look of ceramic wall and floor tile, carpeting, and red oak cabinets.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Educational
Cost: $9,295,776
Size: 4,500 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management
Self-Perform: Prefab Systems
Owner: Board of Education, ISD #008 Lawton Public Schools
Architect: AIP Architects in Partnership