May 5, 2010
Elkins Constructors Awarded New State-of-the-Art Animal Care Center for Fernandina Beach
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Nassau Humane Society (NHS) has awarded Elkins Constructors, Inc. the contract to build the New Animal Care Center in Fernandina Beach, FL.
The Animal Care Center will be a “national model” for the care of rescued animals, according to Guy Sasanfar, a NHS board member and the chairman of the Animal Care Center Committee.
“By setting the highest standard for animal care, sheltering and adoption practices we will attract more public traffic, volunteers, and financial support thereby increasing the adoption of pets to good homes,” said Sasanfar. ”With improved adoption rates, the general health and welfare of Nassau’s rescued animals will improve. By creating such an atmosphere, we can better sustain our mission of bringing pets and people together.”
As a Jacksonville contractor for the past 50 years, Elkins has significant experience working in Nassau County, but that is not the reason Elkins Vice President David Hamilton pursued the project.
“Amongst our employees, we have 43 adopted dogs and cats. Many of us have multiple rescue pets,” said Hamilton, who has three rescue pets of his own. “We understand and believe in NHS. People’s lives are greatly enriched when they have pets. As animal lovers, we knew this was a job our team could support, and we encourage everyone in Nassau County to support the project. It is a great need in the community.”
The current animal adoption facility is outdated, expensive to maintain and obsolete in terms of current animal shelter standards, said Sasanfar. The new center, designed by Fernandina Beach Architect John Cotner, AIA, will be designed and constructed as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified project. It will be the first LEED project in Nassau County.
The Animal Care Center will include space for dog and cat dens, adoptions, medical treatment rooms, outdoor exercise and play and related functions in a single-story facility. The space will also include retail tenant space to attract commercial users, such as a veterinarian, groomer and doggy daycare operation.
Elkins Constructors, Inc., headquartered in Jacksonville, FL has been providing construction management, design/build and general contracting services throughout the Southeastern United States since 1955.
Contact:
Alycia Bradley
(904) 353-6500