Officials broke ground this week on a new $92-million animal care center in the Baychester neighborhood of the Bronx. Construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2025 and is being managed by DDC for the Health Department and ACC.
“As we move forward with building an animal care center in the Bronx, which for too long has gone without one, we take another step toward a more equitable city,” said Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “Bronx residents shouldn’t have to leave the borough to access important services offered by ACC, and this brand-new facility will benefit people and animals alike.”
The 50,000-square-foot facility will provide necessary animal care and adoption services in the borough of Bronx that support a safe, healthy, comfortable and humane environment for animals, staff and visitors.
The Center will house admissions, adoptions, medical services and boarding for approximately 70 dogs, 140 cats, 30 rabbits and up to 20 animals of other species. There will be smaller, self-contained housing groups also referred to as “pods,” which will allow flexibility in housing options and greater ease in caring for animals.
“This new facility will provide many services for animals we all love (dogs, cats and even rabbits!) as they wait to be partnered with their future owners. The new building will also include a space for the community to use as well,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Thomas Foley. “We just opened a new Center in Staten Island and now we’re working with DOHMH on new shelters in the Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn to make sure animals get the treatment they deserve.”
The project was designed by the firm Marvel under DDC’s Design and Construction Excellence Program, which pre-qualifies firms to provide design services for its public buildings projects, reducing the time required to procure design services while ensuring the highest levels of quality and professionalism in construction projects managed by the agency. DDC last year announced that 20 firms have been selected to provide architectural design services in the current round of the Program, including ten Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs).
“With great pride, we break ground today for the new animal shelter in the Bronx. Behind this milestone achievement lies the unwavering dedication of passionate advocates and tireless individuals who have worked diligently behind the scenes. Their commitment and efforts have brought us to this momentous occasion,” said Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) Chief Executive Officer Risa Weinstock. “We are building a world-class shelter where compassion, care, and hope will thrive.
“This shelter will serve as a sanctuary for animals in need, a place where they will receive the love, attention, and support they deserve. Together, we can make a lasting impact, thanks to the incredible advocacy and unwavering dedication of those who championed this cause.”
Open areas on the site will include yards to facilitate dog adoptions, covered exercise runs, courtyards and parking for staff, visitors and animal transportation vehicles, as well as site lighting and low-maintenance native planting throughout. In addition to the animal housing, the Center will include a community space. The building and associated landscape are anticipated to achieve LEED Silver Certification for environmental sustainability.
The Animal Care Center in the Bronx is one of several animal adoption and shelter projects DDC is currently working on throughout the City, including new Centers in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
