INFORMATION SHEET ON:
THE CHILDREN’S READING CENTER DOMED SCHOOL FACILITY PROJECT
What is the CRC? The Children’s Reading Center is a non-profit 501 (3c) corporation dedicated to providing services to struggling readers, increasing teacher capacity and supporting parents. It is the owner of the CRC Charter School, and is the owner of the new facility. .
Why build? 1) The lack of any facilities in Putnam County adequate for the school. 2) The value of purpose specific construction. 3) The long term financial advantages of ownership compared to rental. 4) The security of having control of the facility and capital expenses for both the charter school and the other activities of the CRC.
How was the land purchase and building financed? The USDA Rural Development has provided loan and grant money for about 75% of the cost. The remainder has been obtained through local effort. The construction loan has been provided by Capital City Bank in Palatka. No money has come from the local school district or state capital funding. In fact, the CRC CS has received no capital money from 2 mil local taxes or from separate capital funds from Florida State during its first four years of operation. (The CRC has even had to pay property taxes on the land.)
Why domes? The choice of dome construction grew out of the idea that literacy and thus the library should be central to the school. As various alternatives were explored it became evident that monolithic dome construction promised building and operational savings in a facility that could be both safe and environmentally friendly. Although there are cheaper ways to initially get the necessary footage, over the long term these cheaper ways cost significantly more.
Exactly what are the advantages? 1) Safety --- the geometry offers a strength exceeding all Florida requirements for hurricane, tornado and earthquake natural disasters, and since the roof, walls and floors are primarily made of concrete the risk of fire damage is limited. Furthermore, since the air conditioning system has almost no duct work and includes humidity control mold should not be a problem. The use of concrete is both environmentally friendly and safe for children. 2) Energy Economy --- the concrete mass, the lack of assembly joints, and the exterior insulation will make this an energy efficient facility. Savings of as much as 50% have been reported in schools built in this fashion compared to traditional construction. 3) Flexibility --- The large free span space means that the configuration of classrooms and other areas can be changed if needed simply by moving the non-weight bearing interior walls.
Are there any other special features you have included in the design? 1) The Library is an extension of the classrooms: a)Ten of the classrooms (grades1-5) open into the library b) There is a classroom window for teacher observation of the library and for observation of classroom activities by visitors without disruption. 2) The Mitsubishi air conditioning system with pre-treatment of air intake gives optimal energy efficiency, air CO2 and humidity control. 3) Polished concrete floors will save money for maintenance and are environmentally safe. 4) Each classroom has a bathroom. 5) Security of the facility will be aided by the fact that the entrance to both parking lots can be observed from the main office. 6) One dome is dedicated to our hands on science and technology curriculum.
Why were your architects from Utah ? LPDJ Architects were chosen because of their extensive experience is this type of construction including large domes. Jesse Harris of LPDJ was the architect of record and is licensed in Florida.
Who is the general contractor? Mark Williams is the Project Manager from GMC Construction, 3008 NW 13 th Street , Suite D, Gainesville , Florida