Monolithic Dome Cafeteria at Dale, Oklahoma

The Monolithic Dome cafeteria/tornado shelter has a diameter of 109 feet. School Superintendent Charles Dickinson said that visitors are amazed by its inside spaciousness.

The Monolithic Dome cafeteria/tornado shelter has a diameter of 109 feet. School Superintendent Charles Dickinson said that visitors are amazed by its inside spaciousness.

The walkway to the dome has a canopy over it, and the front door is FEMA approved for wind resistance.

The walkway to the dome has a canopy over it, and the front door is FEMA approved for wind resistance.

Architect Michael McCoy said that they used an impact-resistant glazing system for the dome’s six windows.

Architect Michael McCoy said that they used an impact-resistant glazing system for the dome’s six windows.

The cafeteria produces and serves meals to Dale’s 726 students in grades kindergarten through 12 AND is a tornado shelter for the school and the community.

The cafeteria produces and serves meals to Dale’s 726 students in grades kindergarten through 12 AND is a tornado shelter for the school and the community.

The cafeteria generally seats 225 but can seat up to 800 for special events, such as concerts and presentations.

The cafeteria generally seats 225 but can seat up to 800 for special events, such as concerts and presentations.

In case of a tornado, this dome can shelter all of Dale’s students and staff plus a spillover of 400 to 500 community members.

In case of a tornado, this dome can shelter all of Dale’s students and staff plus a spillover of 400 to 500 community members.

The superintendent calls this dome “a blessing to this community. It’s a wonderful building.”

The superintendent calls this dome “a blessing to this community. It’s a wonderful building.”