Cedar Rapids middle schools to close domes due to structural integrity issues

Kyle Werner, Des Moines Register
·2 min read
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After an inspection that caused an evacuation deeming Taft Middle School's east dome unsafe on Oct. 11, the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) is closing the remaining domes at Taft and Harding Middle Schools.

Both middle schools were built in 1965, both with the same design featuring two domes. Now, they are all closed to further inspect and test the structures.

School was not in session for CRCSD Monday, so there were additional tests conducted by Raker Rhodes Structural Engineering along with Terracon Testing Agency, Solum Lang Architects, and McComas-Lacina Construction.

The conclusions of the tests led to the closure of the other three domes, finding deterioration on several support beams.

"Today’s investigation revealed additional damage, which was not seen on our visual evaluation underneath the steel supports,” Director of Operations at CRCSD Chad Schumacher said in a press release. “In addition, as we move into the winter months, the extra weight of snow and ice on the domes would put more stress on the beams, causing things to shift and move. Knowing this, we are taking precaution in closing all four domes.”

The release said Raker Rhodes Structural Engineering will have a structural repair plan for all of the domes at Taft and Harding ready to present to the district as soon as possible.

The closure of the Taft dome will suspend the use of the gymnasium. The closure of the Harding domes will affect cafeterias, kitchens, performing arts classrooms and the gymnasium, according to the release.

According to the release, CRCSD is trying to get portable buildings for Taft Middle School to provide classroom space during the dome closure. Classrooms will used for lunch, performing arts and PE classes.

"Space for gym activities and practices, will be determined and communicated by each school’s principal in the coming days," said the release.

Taft and Harding's 7th grade boys basketball games are canceled on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

Harding and Taft are currently the district's largest middle schools, housing 730 and 578 students, respectively.

Kyle Werner is an intern for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Cedar Rapids School District closes middle school domes