Founded in 1921, the Dane County Humane Society housed animals at a local pet hospital before building its first shelter on Pennsylvania Avenue. The shelter was expanded in 1985, but 15 years and several partnerships later, they were once again bursting at the seams.
The humane society has an adoption guarantee, accepting all animals in need. They also serve as the holding facility for seized and stray animals in Dane County, reuniting more than 1,000 lost pets with their families each year, and assisting the City of Madison in cases of abuse and neglect. More than 80 partner rescues and shelters throughout the state and nation, and four satellite adoption locations in the Madison area, extend the nonprofit’s capabilities.
The organization determined that continued remodeling and maintenance wasn’t going to solve their facility-related issues; the building and site were simply too small.
They needed a low-maintenance, long-lasting facility that would accommodate the roughly 9,000 pets in their care each year, include space to facilitate adoptions and fundraising activities, and inspire support.
After a comprehensive RFP and evaluation process, the Dane County Humane Society chose NCI-Roberts Construction for its nonprofit construction experience and ability to build consensus within committees.
The architect chosen by the humane society failed to meet expectations, so NCI-Roberts stepped in to complete the design. We worked closely with staff to make sure it emphasized function, incorporated donor recognition and stayed within budget.
The final estimate of $5 million was a significant sum for the nonprofit to raise, but the design and plans were an asset to their communication plan.
The humane society had pre-selected a 29-acre wooded site off of Voges Road, adjacent to wetlands. Saturated soil was a constant challenge during the construction process, and NCI-Roberts had to ensure soil quality and wetland delineation.
Specialized mechanical systems were employed to meet the unique needs of an animal holding facility, preventing the spread of disease.
More than 15 years after construction, the facility remains state-of-the-art and low-maintenance. Among its most appreciated features are:
NCI-Roberts provides ongoing maintenance and has since completed an office space addition, work on the society’s west side satellite location, and most notably, a 1,200 square foot remodeled Wildlife Center.
The Wildlife Center includes a finished space for interior cages, a kitchen and additional bathroom, plus all new electrical, HVAC, plumbing and windows. New insulation was donated by Rockweiler Insulation, NCI-Roberts was happy to support the cause by donating all new flooring, and kitchen cabinetry was donated by Madison Veterinary Specialists, another client of the JG Development family of companies. The center is now a safe, functional home for wildlife such as bats, rodents, song birds and baby mammals.
In 2021, NCI-Roberts Construction donated planning and labor to complete a deck replacement for the Wildlife Center and secured material donations from partners Builders FirstSource and Brunsell Lumber. Used as a “washing deck” for items too large for utility sinks, the lumber was worn and slippery, so replacement composite boards were a valuable upgrade. “Our Wildlife Center staff and volunteers have a much stronger, safer place do the dishes!” said a DCHS representative. “Our wildlife patients for years to come will benefit from this donation!”
Check out another case study or view more projects.
