The Central Aroostook Humane Society of Presque Isle is a step closer to its longtime dream of a new animal shelter.
Construction crews broke ground Thursday on an $810,000 project that will replace the 30-year-old shelter.
The current building has structural problems, including mold and deteriorating walls, and is unsafe for staff and animals, board members said. The new shelter will benefit 30 Aroostook County communities, with an improved and safer facility for animal control officers and others to drop off rescued and unwanted pets.
The nonprofit group has wanted a new shelter for some time, but construction costs put it out of reach. When three major donations came in specifically for a new building, they realized it was possible. They launched a fundraising campaign in March, and by November, donations had come in from all over Maine totaling $760,000.
“It’s a dream come true for all of us,” board secretary Gloria Towle said. “We have thought about this for years, and to see it actually coming to fruition — we’re excited.”
Crews will work through the winter, and Towle hopes staff will be able to move in by summer.
The humane society isn’t naming the three major benefactors yet, but plans to recognize them and all the donors when the facility opens.
Founded in 1966, the Central Aroostook Humane Society first occupied a former military building at Skyway Industrial Park, and moved into its current shelter at 24 Cross St. in 1992.
The society hired Buck Construction of Mapleton to build the new, 3,300-square-foot facility. While it won’t be a great deal larger than the current building, it will accommodate about three more dogs and 11 more cats, according to shelter Executive Director Betsy Hallett.
The building will feature dog enclosures that can open to the outdoors, improved air and sprinkler systems and dedicated spaces for pet medical care, laundry and an area where prospective pet parents can visit with the animals.
On the site Thursday, workers had just dug trenches and poured the first foundation footing.
“It’s the first building block toward the new shelter,” Jordan Dube of Buck Construction said. “We’re well on our way.”
Crews will put up tents to keep the concrete foundation and walls dry as they work throughout the winter, he said.
Humane Society President Christine Robinson was beside herself to know that construction has started.
“It’s freaking me out,” she said. “On one hand I’m super excited because, oh my goodness, this is happening. On the other, I’m wicked anxious because, oh my goodness, this is happening.”
The project hit a bump in the road earlier this month when the society learned the necessary fire suppression system would cost an extra $123,000, board members wrote in a statement on Dec. 4.
The group is seeking funds to cover the additional cost, including applying for several grants, Robinson said.
The holidays provided a boost, when another $17,000 in donations came in, she said.
Help has come from southern Maine, including the Maine Animal Coalition of Portland, which started a GoFundMe campaign to raise $10,000 for the shelter. As of Thursday, more than $9,000 had been donated. The Elmina B. Sewall Foundation of Freeport contributed a $200,000 grant.
A Facebook Live appearance by Jordan’s Way founder Kris Rotonda of Florida, who helps animal shelters around the country in memory of his dog Jordan, brought in $10,000.
Humane society members have been moved by people’s support, Robinson said, and the group is continuing to work toward its goal. For information visit the shelter’s website or Facebook page.
“That’s a tremendous amount of money to raise in a short amount of time,” she said. “People have been so generous. It’s been amazing.”
