PROJECT  Maryland SPCA

LOCATION  Baltimore, , 

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  4/12/2011

ARCHITECT  Penza Bailey Architects

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECT  

OWNER/CLIENT  Maryland SPCA

CONTRACTOR  Constantine Commercial Construction

PHOTOGRAPHER  Anne Gummerson

DESIGN TEAM  Laura Thul Penza, AIA

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

The renovated facility was designed to support the Maryland SPCA’s mission to improve the lives of pets and people in the community. The Maryland SPCA is one of the busiest adoption centers in the area, placing over 3,000 pets each year. The design provides a healthier and more welcoming environment for animals and people, while the pets await new homes, resulting in a decreased illness rate and smaller amounts of medications. The efficient layout allows animals to be adopted more effectively and expediently. Previously, a double-wide trailer facility housed both the incoming animals (not always a positive experience) and outgoing functions, which generally included happy families with new pets. Combined functions and lack of space were stressful for all involved. Despite the existing conditions, the staff and volunteers performed amazingly, however, the Maryland SPCA determined that the animals and the community could be better served with an improved facility. As many non-profit organizations, the Maryland SPCA had a tight budget. The Design Build Team worked with staff to design creatively and utilize resources, becoming vigilant stewards of limited funding. The design team began by determining the types of spaces needed for the most effective operations. Separating the emotional experiences of the incoming and outgoing functions was an important design focus, as well as maintaining separate accessible circulation paths, and controlling private and public access. The design included the demolition of the double-wide trailer, two additions and improvements to the existing kennel facility. The Main addition holds the Morton Gorn Center for Animal Adoption, with a welcoming entrance lobby and waiting area, two animal showcases and views into cat rooms, and is open to the second level a conference room and office space above. The addition also provides an area for adoption interviews, public toilet rooms and office space. With the client’s budget fully in mind, color and graphics on durable materials results in a pleasant experience by all. Another addition includes a separate area for animals coming into the Maryland SPCA, with space to assess animal behavior and separate dog and cat exam rooms. Renovations to the existing kennel facility included new skylights and maximizing daylight from clerestory windows, resulting in healthier animals. Acoustics in the kennel area are now subdued by the strategic use of acoustic materials, and cleanliness is maximized with a careful selection of durable easily-maintained materials. A full modernization of building systems and services and a new sprinkler system assures a safe and healthy environment. The site was quite challenging, from both design and construction perspectives. Space for the expansion was limited, and the design team carefully strategized the construction phasing and staging areas, and the new fire hydrant, to allow the facility to stay open and completely functioning during construction. Outdoor lighting, landscaping, and signage improved the site. Good teamwork resulted in a successful project completed with a firm budget and very tight 8-month construction schedule. The design provides a wonderful experience for the animals, visitors, staff and volunteers, supporting the Maryland SPCA’s mission.

IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS

IMAGE 1  Maryland SPCA_high res ext Exterior, Anne Gummerson Photography

IMAGE 2  Maryland SPCA_high res int Adoption Lobby, Anne Gummerson Photography

IMAGE 3  Maryland SPCA_3 Rescue Surrender Entrance, Anne Gummerson Photography

IMAGE 4  Maryland SPCA_4 Kennel, Anne Gummerson Photography

IMAGE 5  Maryland SPCA_5 Cat Room, Anne Gummerson Photography

IMAGE 6  Maryland SPCA_6 Exam Room, Anne Gummerson Photography

IMAGE 7  Maryland SPCA_7 Green Roof, Anne Gummerson Photography

Media For Download
Project PDF