GMHS makes progress on new addition
The Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society is nearing completion of its new space, The Williams Center, which will serve as an additional wing to the existing facility.
The goal of the new wing is to help expand community involvement through classes and events and provide vital workspace for staff and volunteers.
With both additions, the building is now about 20,675 square feet. GMHS leaders began working on the design plans last fall and the project broke ground in the spring. The original building flows into the addition to look like one structure with the same exterior paint and trim.
“Our completion date has been pushed back slightly,” said Acting Executive Director Jim Camp.
The new wing was initially slated for completion in mid-December, but is now projected to be completed in early January. “We’re three to four weeks behind where we were supposed to be at this time,” continued Camp.
Still needed for the building are electricity, flooring and furniture, all supposed to be installed by the end of next week. Spain Commercial has worked on the project for GMHS. “We’re extremely pleased,” said Camp. “They’ve bent over backwards to make this a success.”
GMHS board member Ralph Jackson has served as the project manager for the addition. He was also the project manager for the original building. “He’s been here every day since Oct. 23,” said Camp.
GMHS is planning to rent out the new building as an event venue with many local groups already inquiring for next year. “We still have some work to do to get ready for that,” said Camp. “I already have a list going,” said GMHS Communications & Development Manager Caitlin Donnelly.
Any event held in the new addition can easily be carried outside with a large outdoor patio. “It flows really well,” said Camp. “I think that’s one of the best features of the design.”
A few new bathrooms have been installed, as well as a commercial-grade kitchen. In the event of a disaster, GMHS could serve as a site to help people in need because of the kitchen. “We’ll be able to serve about 150-200 people in a disaster if we need to,” said Camp.
GMHS will be moving its administration offices from the original building to the upstairs area of the new addition. There will also be a large conference room and a private restroom for staff. The Highway to Home coordinator and the two behavior specialists will be moving into the current administration office. Their space will be converted to a much-needed storage area for the shelter.
“March 28 will be the grand opening,” said Camp. Donors and guests will be welcomed by invitation only to see the new building in its completed form.
Funding for the project has been provided by The Dean & Cam Williams Foundation. “We never could have done this without The Dean and Cam Williams Foundation,” said Camp.
Also happening at GMHS is the creation of two new surgical stations with dental and x-ray capabilities for the pets in its care. “Hopefully that will save us some money in the long-run,” said Camp.
Shown in the new upstairs administration area are GMHS staff members, from left, Medical Coordinator Taylor Badger, Operations Manager Chevy Carper, Shelter Manager Jasmine Jutras, Communications & Development Manager Caitlin Donnelly, Volunteer & Events Coordinator Voula Douglerakis, and Acting Executive Director Jim Camp.
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