This Sunday, July 8, 2012, Harmony House for Cats will celebrate the grand opening of their new eco-friendly cat shelter in Chicago. The 7,085 square-foot shelter features three adoption playrooms, three admission rooms, four special needs suites, a medical ward, a treatment room, a conference room, and two mechanical rooms that house the equipment that runs and monitors the cutting-edge technology in the new shelter. The building’s heating and cooling needs are powered by 14 geothermal wells, 20 solar thermal panels, plus solar photovoltaics. The design is organized around a central landscaped courtyard for day-lighting and easy access to a beautiful natural setting.
“Cats in every room of the new shelter will be able to nap in the sunshine, and look out at the trees and plants,” said Board President Ann Dieter, “plus the new building provides a sustainable operational future for Harmony House through the construction of a high-performance building that provides a replicable model to other non-profit organizations.” The new building is a gift from an anonymous donor who hopes that it will inspire other individuals, companies and organizations to incorporate green technology in their new homes and commercial buildings as well.
The grand opening will be held on Sunday, July 8 from 2 to 6 pm at 2914 N Elston Avenue in Chicago. The event is open to the public and admission is free.
Founded in 1970, Animal Protective Association’s Harmony House for Cats is a cageless, no-kill shelter, dedicated to rescuing and placing injured and abandoned cats. New volunteers, supporters, and adopters are welcome. For more information, please visit www.hhforcats.org.