Innovative Pet Adoption Center: East Harlem’s Colorful Gem

In a quiet East Harlem neighborhood, a former shabby garage transformed into a stunning pet adoption center, capturing attention with its lenticular facade that changes color based on viewing angle. Located at 109th Street between First and Second Avenues, this 2,500-square-foot landmark, operated by the Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC), offers a vibrant front to its important mission of animal rescue and adoption.

A Colorful Exterior, Welcoming Interior

The building’s steel rainscreen, painted with a lenticular effect, acts like a kaleidoscope, appearing blue-gray from the front but shifting to varying hues of yellow, green, blue, and purple as viewed from different angles. This chromatic play contrasts sharply with the building’s modest origins, adding a pop of vibrancy to the otherwise understated residential surroundings.

Thoughtful Design and Sustainability

Designed by New York-based Studio Joseph, the structure retains much of the original building’s masonry and wood beam structure. The design team embraced the existing space, preserving two original skylights that now serve as the building’s central spine. This design decision brings natural daylight into the center, providing a healthier and more calming environment for the animals.

“Bringing daylight into both the lobby and the kennel area gives the animals a sense of night and day,” said Wendy Evans Joseph, principal of Studio Joseph. “It’s very healthy for them and lends them a calmer spirit.”

A Human and Animal-Friendly Space

The interior is designed with both humans and animals in mind, featuring glass-fronted entries and separate dog and cat rooms connected by a corridor. The dog kennels, fitted with specialized diamond frit glass, prevent the animals from seeing each other while allowing visitors a clear view. Street-facing windows also incorporate this privacy feature for cats.

The building’s mechanical systems are concealed in a drop ceiling, maintaining visual cleanliness and functionality. Concrete floors with drainage are designed to prevent slipping for humans while keeping the animals safe.

A Response to Increased Demand

The ACC’s contract with the city mandates acceptance of all animals, from dogs and cats to guinea pigs, rabbits, injured wildlife, and exotic pets. During the pandemic, the organization saw an unprecedented surge in intake, surpassing previous limits and leading to the announcement that they had run out of space for surrenders. The new center aims to alleviate this issue, with plans to open further facilities in Queens and the Bronx.

To meet space constraints, the team at Studio Joseph had to create a functional and welcoming environment within a tight urban landscape. The result is a balanced prototype that combines accessibility with animal welfare.

Speedier Adoptions

The adoption process at the new center is faster than at the main facility, with the average length of stay for animals dropping from 20 to 14 days. This efficiency is crucial for managing the high volume of animals that the ACC handles annually.

Conclusion

The Animal Care Centers of New York’s pet adoption center in East Harlem stands as a testament to innovative design and community engagement. By repurposing a former garage into a vibrant, functional facility, the center not only provides a home to animals but also serves as a beacon in the neighborhood.

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