Bryan City Council approved a contract worth more than half a million dollars with an architecture firm at its April 14 meeting, clearing the way to start the process of building an all-new city animal shelter. Plans show a modern facility expected to improve animal care, staff operations and adoption services.
In a nutshell
The council unanimously approved the $525,000 agreement with Houston-based Jackson & Ryan Architects to design the new city of Bryan Animal Shelter.
The project carries a total price tag of about $7.4 million to replace the existing aging facility and improve the quality of life for its furry residents.
The total project budget includes:
- $525,000 for architectural and engineering services, including $14,900 for reimbursable expenses
- Nearly $400,000 in donations designated for furniture, fixtures and equipment
- $6,875,000 to cover construction fees and professional services contracts related to construction
City of Bryan Business Liaison and Special Projects Manager Frank Clark said design work is expected to begin in May, with construction management proposals anticipated within two months.
How we got here
Bryan has operated municipal animal services in its current facility along Finfeather Road since taking over operations from the county in 2011. The county animal center has since been known as the Aggieland Humane Society. The current facility was built in the early 1980s.
According to a feasibility study, the current building is undersized and forces multiple functions to share the same spaces, such as intake, treatment, quarantine and adoption. The study also addresses the shelter's:
- Sizing: The shelter is about 7,100 square feet and takes in roughly 1,300 animals each year. Limited separation between animals and visitors can increase stress for pets and create potential health and safety concerns, according to the study.
- Air conditioning: Dog housing areas are largely unconditioned, making air quality and disease control more difficult.
- Entrance issues: The site’s location and layout restrict visibility and limit separate entrances for staff and the public.
One feature in a rough rendering that council member James Edge questioned was “canine enrichment.” Bryan Animal Center Supervisor Ashley Rodriguez-Bishop explained that it includes outdoor dog park areas designed to reduce stress and behavioral decline among dogs housed longer term.
The proposed new shelter site will be located on 2 acres at 2101 E. Martin Luther King Jr. St.
City documents suggest the current site at 2207 Finfeather Road has compromised roadway visibility due to the nearby train tracks, and the neighborhood itself does not have much street traffic.
Also on the agenda
In addition to the approval of the contract with Jackson & Ryan, the city approved several other items on the regular agenda.
- $70M infrastructure financing: The city approved publishing a notice of intent to issue about $70 million in certificates of obligation to finance multiple projects without raising the current property tax rate. Planned funding includes:
- Animal services and Midtown Park improvements
- Street and drainage projects
- Firefighting equipment purchases
- South College Avenue Phase 4 design: The council approved a $617,000 design amendment with GLS Engineering for a total of $1.47 million for Phases 3 and 4. The project is described as a “complete reconstruction” of South College Avenue from Dodge to 29th streets. Design work is to begin this spring, with construction to be completed by fall 2029.
- Renaming Bomber Drive: The city approved renaming Bomber Drive to Midtown Park Boulevard. Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said the name better reflects the area’s long-term development vision.
- BBCEDF representation: The council appointed former state Rep. Kyle Kacal to the Bryan-Brazos County Economic Development Foundation. Kacal filled in last fall for Brazos County Judge Duane Peters while on medical leave. His appointment begins June 1, and his term is set to expire May 31, 2028.
Before you go
Earlier in the April 14 meeting, the council approved a rezoning request to allow Made Well House to continue operating in a historic neighborhood after extended public discussion.
As Bryan City Manager Andrew Nelson receives medical care after scans showed a mass in his brain, according to a city announcement, Deputy City Manager Hughe Walker addressed the council and residents with a statement from Nelson.
It read in part, “To the dedicated staff of the City of Bryan, mayor and city council, our sisters in the City of College Station and our fellow Aggies at Texas A&M, I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for your sincere and compassionate prayers before and since my brain surgery last Thursday. Your thoughts and support have lifted me up more than you know.”
His letter continues to say that he is hopeful he will make a full recovery very soon.
Bryan City Council will meet again at City Hall on May 5 at 5:30 p.m.
