Atlanta Humane Society
Mansell Campus RenovationChallenge
In an effort to extend services to a larger area, Atlanta Humane Society engaged Bacon Group Architects for a second project to evaluate an existing building in the Alpharetta business district. Together, they selected a highly visible automobile dealership that encompassed a retail atmosphere on an expansive site. Bacon Group was able to embrace the existing conditions, large volumes and extensive windows to create a retail type space that showcases the adoptable animals while still incorporating the shelter specific spaces and organizational requirements of standard shelters.
Results
Bacon Group Architects demonstrated that the location and distinct advantages of the existing building had the potential to create a blockbuster adoption center. The successful renovation took an existing structure, maintained the desirable elements, and re-purposed it. Within six months of opening the Mansell facility, AHS had nearly doubled the number of total adoptions for the organization and recruited 496 volunteers from the surrounding area. Additionally, AHS created 25 new job opportunities in the north Fulton County area.
Atlanta Humane Society Fast Facts
LOCATION: Alpharetta, GA
YEAR COMPLETED: 2011
ROLE: Architect of Record and Project Manager
COST: $3.05 million
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 30,395 total building, 23,700 were renovated
CAPACITY: 75 cats, 56 dogs, 28 puppies
PROJECT OVERVIEW: This project re-purposed a former car dealership showroom into an exciting new 24,000 SF adoption center and spay/neuter clinic.
We have saved the lives of so many animals, made their environment more comfortable, and presented dogs and cats to the public in a pleasing manner that encouraged adoptions. I use the term “we” because I have come to look at Bacon Group as more of a partner and friend of the animals than just a professional Architecture firm.
Atlanta Humane Society Awards & Recognition
Best Projects 2012 Engineering News-Record Southeast, Atlanta Humane Society Mansell Campus Renovation, Alpharetta, GA, Award of Merit for Best Renovation / Restoration Project
First Place AGC Build Georgia Award for Construction Excellence Atlanta Humane Society Mansell Campus Renovation, Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc., Atlanta, GA
AIA Atlanta 2012 Tour Series, Atlanta Humane Society, Mansell Campus project featured on-tour and in the chapter’s Annual Tour Series 2012 book to be published in 2013
