Chesapeake Animal Services
Challenge
The City of Chespeake Animal Control Unit’s 25 year old shelter was hard to find, over-crowded, and rusting apart. The city engaged RRMM Architects (lead Architect with continued service agreement) and Bacon Group Architecture (Consultant Architect) to design a new high profile, modern shelter that would be viewed as an adoption center destination. Bacon Group’s involvement was twofold; we were asked to program a large facility that would be adequately sized and expandable for projected needs over 25 years and to provide full design direction for the high profile facility.
Results
The concept was based on efficiency of movement and division between large and small dogs, cats and exotics to reduce animal stress. Feature spaces with higher quality finishes and real-life rooms at the canine adoption entrance provide a home-like interactive space for visitation. A small feline feature and an exotic and pocket pet display room are located off the expansive lobby. Adoption counseling offices and the children’s activity niche can be monitored by the front desk staff. After the new shelter opened, adoptions increased 24% and animal intake increased 21% in 2013.
Chesapeake Animal Services Fast Facts
LOCATION: Chesapeake, VA
YEAR COMPLETED: 2012
ROLE: Animal facility design architect
FIRM OF RECORD: RRMM Architects
COST: $12.5 million
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 30,034 SF (23,604 SF 1st floor; 6,430 SF 2nd floor)
CAPACITY: 116 dog/puppy, 38 cats
PROJECT OVERVIEW: Bacon Group Architecture and RRMM Architects designed a new high-profile, LEED certified, modern shelter that is viewed as an adoption center destination.
