Making enough room for animals seeking adoption and the public is the goal of the Oneida County Humane Society's announcement Tuesday to upgrade their facility.
In 2015, the Petco Foundation gave them a $100,000 grant.
Board member Sue Otis says they decided to use that grant, and other money they have to upgrade the cramped facility on Rhinelander's north side....
"....today we are announcing our extensive remodeling and addition, and our capital campaign to bring those designs to fruition...."
Architect Jeff Musson says the existing 3,500 square foot building is sound but doesn't serve the needs of the growing shelter...
"...the existing building is about 3,500 square feet. We're going to demolish 500 square feet, then provide a new addition that is 2,900 square feet. We'll have a total of 5,800 square feet when we are completed...."
Musson says parts of the existing building have almost no insulation.
Manager Bria Swarthout says a key addition will include a quarantine area with a larger lobby area and other additions. Otis says the project cost is about $500,000. She says they have about $200,000 already in hand with other commitments ready. She says they're hoping to raise another $250,000.
Otis says people wanting to help raise the additional money can contact the shelter for more information. Musson says they hope to break ground in early spring and be done sometime during the late summer.
