Officials, residents get first look at plans for new C.R. animal control facility

CEDAR RAPIDS - Residents and officials got their first good look at a proposed $4.55 million city Animal Care and Control facility on Wednesday.

“I wish it was open right now,” said longtime animal activist Audrey Rahn. “I'm 94 years old and I'm afraid I won't get to see it.”

Rahn and about 40 to 50 others viewed the floor plan, site plan and architectural drawings of the facility during an open house in the Cedar Rapids Police Department's community room.

The 13,000 square-foot, one-story structure is to be built on the Kirkwood Community College campus starting this summer. Plans call for it to be completed in July 2013.

“I'm excited, it's just like moving into a new house,' said Diane Webber, program manager for animal control. “We've gone over the plans every other week for a long time just to make sure we didn't forget anything.”

The building will house up to 43 dogs and 123 cats at any one time, and has public areas for adoptions. Webber said Kirkwood students in veterinary technician, veterinary assistant, grooming and humane (animal) control programs will use a 900-square-foot classroom.

Simon Andrew, an intern in the Iowa City city manager's office, was among those taking a look at the plans.

“Iowa City is in the concept stage for a similar 12,000-square foot facility in the south part of town,” he explained.

Volunteers Kathy Couser and Dana Nogelmeier both said the new Cedar Rapids facility will be a “big improvement” over the old building, which was damaged in the 2008 flood. Since then, Animal Control has been operating in a temporary facility at 2109 North Towne Lane NE.

Animal Control has 203 volunteers, nine full-time employees and four trucks, Webber said.

Posters at Wednesday's open house detailed the financing and advantages of the new location. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will put up $1 million local option sales tax (LOST) funds will cover the $3.55 million remainder.

FEMA also will pay $700,000 to demolish the old building on Old River Road SW and pay $100,000 to replace its contents.

In addition to being near students, the new location is accessible from nearby roads and has plenty of room for future expansion. It will be located just north of 76th Ave SW near Washington Hall and some agricultural buildings.