Animal Friends Resource Center

The 13.5 acre wooded 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 reuse 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 longtime staff can genuinely appreciate.

Green concepts were explored and to the extent possible were incorporated in the design. The building siting took advantage of the solar path, framing of selective views, and preserving mature trees on the site grounds. The use of floor to ceiling energy efficient windows and skylights allows abundant day lighting, creating a light, bright interior for every space. Energy efficient systems and sustainable materials were evaluated and incorporated. The use of motion sensor lights and programmable building control systems also contributed to the energy conservation initiatives of the client.

The state of the art facility includes the first-ever, in-house medical surgical suite. The education wing is complete with an interactive classroom and a resource library. The innovative wellness suite enables positive, life-affirming, and therapeutic interactions between people and animals.  The Center features a new retail shop and spacious new caging and living arrangements for nearly 300 animals.