Work is scheduled to start Tuesday on a $1.2 million expansion project at the Door County Humane Society.
Humane Society Executive Director Carrie Counihan says a capital campaign for the project started in August of 2010 and says it's exciting to finally reach the construction phase.
The project will involve expanding the existing building on County Road PD by 6,735 square feet and renovating the current 5,300 square foot facility.
Counihan says one important feature of the new building will be a separate intake area for new animals so they can isolate any illnesses that new dogs and cats may bring in.
Counihan says the extra space is sorely needed because intake numbers continue to grow. The shelter was built in 1999 to house 28 cats and 28 dogs. As of October 17 the shelter was housing 131 cats and 8 dogs.
She says the new facility will also have a better division of space, separating dogs and cats and the public. The cats, for example, will be housed in groups of 10 to 15 in large, glass "cat colonies."
Renovations will also include staff space, office space, a specific area for volunteers and an education room. A better-working HVAC system is also on the list, something Counihan says is sorely needed.
The entire project is expected to be completed by June 2013.
Photo Identification, from left: DeLeers Construction: Scott Treichel, John DeLeers, Jerry Jilot, Capital Campaign Chairman Matt Luders, Board Members: Mary Ellen Dreutzer and Nancy Larson, Capital Campaign committee member Mitch Larson, Executive Director Carrie Counihan with Katie, Board members: Sue Anderson and Barb Gilman, Blue Design Group Architect Steve Romatz, Board President Marilyn Jensen, Blue Design Group Architect Steve Jamroz. Submitted Photo.
