Summer 2022 Construction in the Ozarks: Espy Elementary School multipurpose/safe room

General contractor: Crossland Construction Co. Inc.
Size: 4,500 square feet
Estimated cost: $2 million
Estimated completion: Nov. 2
Project description: A combination safe room and multipurpose room at Espy Elementary School has been built to comply with the latest Federal Emergency Management Agency guidelines for community safe rooms, which FEMA describes as a hardened structure designed to provide near-absolute life-safety protection in extreme wind events, including tornadoes. Project officials say the building is constructed from precast concrete walls and double-tee roof panels, structural steel framing and FEMA-approved windows and doors. Designer Sapp Design Associates Architect PC’s website notes the addition also will function as a secondary gymnasium and multipurpose space, as well as a gathering place for community activities. Engineering work is by Toth and Associates Inc., civil and structural, and True Engineering Group LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing.