WBRC and MSA worked with Bangor Humane Society to create a renovation and expansion design that better meets its important and expanding mission. A primary goal was to create a vibrant, happy environment where people will choose to come first for pet adoption. Also key to the design: reducing movements and cross-traffic for dogs and cats being received or adopted, improving upon the care environment, and mitigating the potential for disease transmission.
The improved space plan is evident as soon as the public enters the lobby. Visitors can immediately view and connect with pets available for adoption. The humane society’s housing and care areas were reconfigured and expanded to introduce more light and ventilation and to create more ergonomically-correct care spaces.
The space plan includes a redesigned feline processing and housing area with better separation of cats and dogs, encouraging more relaxed animals. The design also brings expanded veterinary treatment capacity to accommodate current needs and allow for future growth.
Bangor Humane Society’s new administration area brings staff offices and support spaces into one location and provides direct support to the reception desk. The new space plan provides a separation of the adoption rooms from the visitation/kennel areas. This provides a dedicated space for pets and their potential owners to get acquainted and privacy for clients who are surrendering an animal. An education room right inside the new entrance offers a gathering place where groups can learn more about animal care and pet ownership.
Great care was taken to create durable, cleanable interiors. This includes pet spaces that can be easily hosed off and are resistant to urine, thanks to impenetrable epoxy, porcelain tile floors, and specialty wall paint. The biophilic interiors are designed with calming, natural hues, with accent colors that dogs and cats can see.
The entrance foyer and lobby feature hand-painted donor signage in recognition of the many regional animal lovers who made this project possible.
Other features of the improved and expanded facility include a new, more conveniently-located public entrance; easy-to-maintain ceramic tile and epoxy flooring; new cabinetry; upgraded air handling; a staff break area; back entrance with a mudroom adjacent to the outdoor pet exercise area; and improved lighting, electrical, and access control systems.
The building’s gray siding was chosen to contrast with the interior, so as you enter the building, it feels light and refreshing. The expansion also offers a larger parking lot and new building-wide siding, roofing, and walkways.