City of Mesquite Animal Shelter Expansion

Firm:

Awards Category

Unbuilt Architecture

Honorable Mention

Project Summary

As the City of Mesquite continues to grow, so do the needs of its animal shelter. Oftentimes, the shelter finds itself stretched thin – at full capacity with no room to house new animals. To combat this issue, we composed a masterplan of two phases for the expansion of the existing animal shelter. Phase I consists of a new addition of +/- 3,700 s.f. to the facility for housing cats and various small animals – referred to as “critters” – such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and other similar creatures. Phase II contains the renovation of the existing animal shelter for housing the dogs and the addition of a new +/- 200 s.f. quarantine room.

Project Narrative

For over 25 years, the Mesquite Animal Shelter served the City of Mesquite and the surrounding area. It is one of only two animal rescues in Mesquite, as well as the only municipal shelter in the city. Over the years, the demand for a larger facility intensified to reflect the growing population. We worked closely with the staff and the city council members to design the addition and program the renovation of the existing shelter. Upon entry, guests are warmly greeted into a pleasant lobby minimizing any anxieties. Waiting areas are separate to prevent conflict amongst the animals. The lobby is centralized for the efficiency of staff and volunteers. Warm sunlight spills inside to highlight the natural wood and stone, bringing outside elements in. The space fosters a sense of community with a photo opportunity area for adoptions and a large photo display to showcase other success stories. The lobby is intended to leave an honest first impression, setting the tone for the rest of the facility. Our aim is for people to feel welcomed and break the perception of animal shelters being cold and sad places. Through playful wayfinding, potential adopters make their way to the dog or cat and critter wings. Looking at the existing building, it was clear that the animal adoption areas needed strategic reprogramming. Cat adoption and the dog kennels were adjacent to each other – with only a thin wall to muffle the noise from the dogs, making the cats stressed. Additionally, critters did not have their own dedicated space. In the new plan, dogs and cats are separated into distinct wings – dogs remaining in the current shelter, and the cats and critters moving into the new addition, along with other staff and visitor support spaces. Quarantine and isolation rooms were also added into each wing to prevent the spread of disease and infection. Ultimately, the goal was to design a facility that prioritizes animal health and enrichment. We want to give the animals a place to thrive and put their best paw forward in finding their forever family.

Sustainable Design & Materials

The Mesquite Animal Shelter takes inspiration from the land it sits on. Its color and material palette are inspired by the Mojave Desert, from the cool greens and dusty pinks of the paints to the caramels and deep browns of the stone veneer. It was imperative to be mindful of the existing shelter when designing the addition. The new material palette complements the colors of the existing shelter. Materials from the existing catio were also reused to construct the new catio. Custom inscribed bricks from donors were salvaged and incorporated into the entry courtyard. We researched the beneficial impacts of sunlight on animals and incorporated that knowledge into the design by opening the walls of the animal adopt and meet and greet rooms. Masonry screen walls protect west facing openings from harsh afternoon sun. As this is a publicly and donation funded building, interior finishes were chosen for their durability to hold up to wear-and-tear and routine cleaning, all while maintaining their sanitary qualities.

Project Stats

Square Feet

7780

Green Building Designation(s)

Date of Completion

2025

Project Location

795 Hardy Way, Mesquite, NV 89027, USA