HOUSTON — Mayor John Whitmire is proposing a $16 million renovation of BARC, the city’s animal shelter, to address Houston’s stray animal problem and improve shelter conditions.
The City Council will review the proposal, which includes infrastructure upgrades at BARC’s Carr Street facility with no new ongoing budget costs.
The plan covers roof replacement, sewer line upgrades, and modernization of electrical and mechanical systems.
It also includes internal renovations to the facility’s dome building and the demolition and replacement of an old warehouse. Funding for testing, inspection services, and public art is part of the proposal.
BARC officials said the upgrades are necessary to ensure safety and maintain operations. The renovation will not affect plans for Phase Two, which includes a new 37,000-square-foot facility at a future location. Once the current phase is completed, $31.8 million will be allocated for the next stage.
The City Council will vote on awarding a design-and-build contract to Linbeck Group, LLC, covering the dome renovation and warehouse replacement.