A Shelter Built with Care, Purpose, and Possibility

Adaptive Reuse of a Former School Building

At Harman Construction, we recently had the privilege of transforming a former elementary school into a modern, welcoming animal shelter that serves the community with care and intention. The existing building offered a strong foundation and a meaningful opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine the space. Through careful planning and collaboration, we were able to utilize the old structure while giving it new purpose as a place dedicated to animal welfare.

A Shelter Designed for Future Growth

The renovation of the former Verona Elementary School allowed the shelter to move from its previous 5,000-square-foot facility into a nearly 25,000-square-foot space. This transition provided the room needed to serve more animals and plan for future needs, giving the team greater flexibility to focus on their mission of care and service rather than the limitations of an undersized facility.

Functional Interior Layout Supporting Operations

Functionality and comfort guided the repurposing of the former school. The building’s original pod-style layout naturally allowed for dedicated medical and grooming rooms, separate laundry and dishwashing areas, and improved administrative and meeting spaces. Purpose-built areas for different animal populations support better care, safer operations, and a calmer environment for both animals and staff.

Collaborative Construction Process

From a construction perspective, the project involved a comprehensive interior renovation with new infrastructure, finishes, and systems throughout. By working closely with the county, architects, and trade partners, this project became a shared effort focused on delivering a practical, efficient facility aligned with the shelter’s operational needs. We continue to hold pride in delivering these kind of projects over to the community!

To go back to the beginning and read how the Verona Animal Shelter project started!

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