SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota based architect Leader Design Studio and commercial construction company J.E. Charlotte Construction Corp. have been awarded the contract to design and construct the shelter expansion project for the Humane Society of Sarasota County, the area’s premier no-kill shelter.

 The Humane Society of Sarasota County seeks to undergo its largest renovation and expansion to date. J.E. Charlotte Construction and Leader Design Studio are currently assisting the nonprofit with architectural and pre-construction phase services.

With the goal of increasing adoption rates, the team is working closely with the organization to repair and design a world-class adoption center, enlarge its animal shelter to better accommodate the animals in its care as well as expand its veterinary clinic services facility.

The project’s other team members include DWY Landscape Architects, Joel Freedman with Shumaker Advisors Florida and AM Engineering, Inc.

“The shelter has been here for over 65 years and is in desperate need of repair,” said Christen Benson, the executive director of the Humane Society of Sarasota County. The Humane Society of Sarasota County currently finds homes for over 1,500 animals a year, and this number would significantly increase with the expansion. We take pride in being the area’s premier no-kill shelter, and we look forward to making an even greater impact in our community.”

Incorporated in 1952, the Humane Society of Sarasota County offers pet adoptions, humane education, pet therapy, volunteer programs and canine obedience training. On average, the nonprofit has 150 animals in its care every day.