Lumberton Performing Arts Center in Lumberton, Texas. (Connie Anderson Photography)
Monolithic Dome Safe Room Used Nearly Every Day for Performing Arts
In Lumberton, Texas a monolithic dome safe room was constructed for the school district and community. However, the community doesn’t call it a safe room. They call it the Lumberton Performing Arts Center. It houses a full stage for plays and all types of performances. The seating retracts to open the floor for Senior prom or a business Expo.
“The Lumberton Performing Arts Center looks nothing like a ‘safe shelter’,” said Gretchen Scoggins, Coordinator for Special Programs and Communications. “By adding a Foyer, designing an auditorium for multi-use by the school and community, and decorating choices which are elegant, we have a beautiful building which impresses all visitors.”
The concrete dome — built by Dome Technology — is used an average of four times a week for various community events. Between December to May, Scoggins reports it’s used almost every day.
“We are thrilled that it all came together in such a way,” she added, “that we can use it for school functions and provide a safe environment for those emergency responders during hurricanes.”
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Choir performance. (Lumberton ISD)
Sixth grade band performing for parents and friends. Audience seating extends for stage performances. (Lumberton ISD)
Banquet seating on the center floor. (Lumberton ISD)
The seats pulled back and more tables and chairs set up for a banquet. (Lumberton ISD)
A commercial expo held at the center. Note that the seats retract to open the floor for dances and other events. (Lumberton ISD)
Main foyer is used for receptions and other events, too. (Connie Anderson Photography)
Main foyer. (Connie Anderson Photography)
Foyer set up for a reception. (Lumberton ISD)