This new facility of the Denver Animal Shelter was designed by Animal Arts, an architectural firm specializing in animal shelter and veterinary hospital design. The Shelter represents the highest standard of care for shelter animals, which exceeds 8,000 lost and abandoned pets each year. The new Bayaud street facility was designed and built to reflect Denver Animal Care & Control’s commitment to animal welfare and health and the City’s commitment to sustainability.
Here is an image of the Denver Animal Shelter, courtesy of Doors Open Denver.
In 2012, the Denver Animal Shelter (DAS) achieved LEED-NC Platinum certification and was designated the “Greenest” Animal Shelter in the country. The DAS also has the prestigious status of being the first and only animal facility in the country to achieve the nationally-recognized environmental rating from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). A few examples of the Shelter’s green features include:
1. Use of natural process of evaporation to cool the air instead of
environmentally-damaging refrigerants.
2. Use of daylight sensors to automatically control the lights when there is adequate daylight, reducing the need for electricity. More than 80% of the facility has enough daylight for the electric lights to be shut off when the sun is shining.
3. Use of non-toxic cleaning solution designed for cold water use, thereby reducing energy that would have been used for heating water.
4. Use of radiant heat in the floors of the dog kennels for comfort and warmth.
While here, don’t miss Sun Spot, the 25-foot three-piece pubic art sculpture that is covered with 90,000 stainless steel pet tags. Public tours will be offered throughout both event days. Also, DAS is offering a DOD Adoption Special in honor of Doors Open Denver. The Denver Animal Shelter will offer a reduced adoption package special of $85 for dogs, $50 for cats, $10 small animals on April 12 & 13. This rate is approximately half the normal adoption package rate.
This building preview is part of DenverUrbanism’s special countdown series to Doors Open Denver 2015. Click here for more information on Doors Open Denver.
I hope the next denver bond is better spent. $15 million for an animal shelter (including that ridiculous giant dog sculpture) is not the best use of public funds when we have such pressing transportation and housing needs.