AVALON, Texas, (December 17, 2001 ) The Avalon Independent School District will break ground on a new Monolithic Dome multipurpose building at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19th. The $1.5 million facility, which will seat 720 people, will be used for sporting and academic events. It is scheduled for completion in December 2002.

The groundbreaking will take place off Highway 34 in Avalon. If traveling south on Interstate 45, take the Highway 34 exit and travel 13 miles to Avalon. If traveling south on Interstate 35E, take the Italy exit, turn left and go seven miles to Highway 34.

Monolithic Domes are one-piece, steel-reinforced, super-insulated concrete structures that are best known for their energy efficiency, longevity and ability to offer near absolute protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Avalon is one of more than a dozen school districts across the nation that have opted for this unusual method of construction.

The Italy Independent School District, about 10 miles from Avalon, is putting the finishing touches on its own Monolithic Dome multipurpose facility.
David Del Bosque, associate superintendent and principal of the Avalon High School, said the board opted for the Monolithic Dome design because of its low cost, energy efficiency and safety.

“We knew the Monolithic Dome design offered monetary value in terms of low construction costs and on-going energy savings. It also offered safety for our kids,” Del Bosque said. “After looking at all those factors and then visiting the Italy multipurpose facility, the board and Superintendent Pepper Wells decided it was right for our school district.”

The Avalon building will measure 124 feet in diameter and will be constructed on 12-foot stemwalls. It will feature a full-size gymnasium and four locker rooms, and will replace the school district’s existing gym, which will continue to be used as a PE facility.

Monolithic Construction Management of Italy, Texas is serving as a consultant on the project. Rick Crandall, a Mesa, Arizona-based architect who serves as a consultant to the Monolithic Dome Institute, designed the facility.
For more information about Monolithic Dome schools, visit www.monolithic.com/gallery/schools.

177 Dome Park Place - Italy, TX 76651
Tel (972)483-7423 - Fax (972)483-6662
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