ST. CLAIR R-XIII SD | ST. CLAIR HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Location: St. clair county, missouri
Size: 29,000 SF ADDITION + 5,650 SF RENOVATION, 155 FT DIAMETER FEMA SAFE ROOM DOME
cost: $9,500,000
Following the passage of their 2020 bond issue, the St. Clair School District set out to add a FEMA safe room to the High School campus, designed to function as a new Performing Arts Center (PAC). Completed in July 2025, the facility is an ICC 500, FEMA P-361 compliant dome structure with a 155-foot diameter—large enough to house the entire student body and faculty during inclement weather. The PAC features more than 780 fixed seats and is accessible through a newly constructed entry secured with a vestibule. Inside, the facility includes a stage craft workshop, dressing rooms, green room/drama space, data room, storage, vocal/choir area with two practice rooms, and a mezzanine above the support spaces for additional storage. An audio-visual station is located on the upper tier for technical control during performances.
A key priority throughout the design process was integrating the building’s architecture with the surrounding neighborhood. This thoughtful approach helps reinforce the sense of community in St. Clair, where school activities are central to students and residents.