Animal Friends challenged IKM Architects to redefine the concept of animal shelter. Innovation and revolutionary attitudes toward animal care were developed through a collaborative approach to create a new “community resource center” – not just a shelter or adoption site – as the home for this non-profit organization. The new 30,000 square foot facility nearly triples the amount of space the ‘no-kill’ shelter had in its Strip District location. 

The 13.5-wooded acre property in Pittsburgh’s North Hills provides the ideal site. A new weathering-steel bridge to accommodate the flood plain greets visitors and announces the arrival to a truly unique location. More than 1.5 miles of walking trails, outdoor play yards and re-use of an existing gazebo capitalize on the beauty of the well-groomed site. Ample parking adjacent to the facility is a small luxury only the long-time staff can genuinely appreciate.