Springfield Business Journal_2020-11-02

T H E P A R A G O N A P P R O A C H We’re here and ready for whatever unknowns are thrown at your architectural project. Our team has the tools and tenacity to Sherpa for you through concept, design, construction and beyond. Through innovative thinking and focused expertise, we’ll strive to deliver quality designs that enhance people’s experience with your brand—now and in the future. That’s the Paragon Approach. Let us know how we can help. 417.885.0002 | paragonarchitecture.com 14 · SBJ.NET NOV. 2-8, 2020 SALUTE TO CONSTRUCTION Republic Animal Control Center A former day care at the base of the Repub- lic water tower recently was repurposed as the city’s new animal shelter. The transformation of the front of the building is the favorite feature for project architect David Frohling, of GHN Architects Engineers. “We took what was a flat plane and gave it some depth and interest,” he said of chang- ing the facade, adding height, changing the materials and removing a porch. The crisscross of metal bars on the water tower also can be seen in the design. “To see what it used to look like versus what it does now is like a night and day difference,” he said. Republic’s former animal control center was small and outdated, said city spokesper- son Mike Landis, adding the center frequent- ly ran out of space and spent $15,000 annually to transfer animals to nearby shelters. Frohling said the new, modern design in- cludes indoor and outdoor kennels for small, medium and large dogs, as well as two rooms for people to meet and play with the ani- mals available for adoption. He added the cat adoption room was designed for the cats to roam. “We thought that deep windowsill would allow them a place to sit in the sun,” he said. The building also was designed with animal safety in mind. “We had to think of the ability to provide treatment to the animals, but not put the oth- er animals that are already in the facility at risk,” Frohling said. “We have an exam room that is only accessible from the exterior.” Additionally, the building was designed to create a template for future updates to other city buildings. “The idea was that in the future the city of Republic would have a standard to go by for future design,” Frohling said. —Christine Temple, Features Editor MCKENZIE ROBINSON Frohling