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City staff identify former daycare at 2715 Dayton Ave. as preferred animal-shelter relocation candidate; project estimate ~$4.45M
Summary
City staff and consultants have identified 2715 Dayton Avenue (former Eagles Loft daycare) as a feasible site for a relocated Ames animal shelter, estimated at about $4.45 million including land, renovation and design; council to consider prompt decision in early February to meet option deadlines.
City staff presented an update on the animal shelter relocation project and a recommended candidate site: the former Eagles Loft daycare at 2715 Dayton Avenue. Staff said the building — approximately 12,600 square feet with a basement and existing plumbing, kitchen and laundry facilities — appears well suited for conversion with relatively modest adaptation compared with building a new purpose-built shelter.
Staff presented an early project budget estimate of about $4.455 million: roughly $1.1 million for the land purchase (option agreement in place), about $3.0 million for building modifications and renovation, and the remainder for design and soft costs. Council was told a community fundraising target of roughly one-third of project cost (about $1.5 million) is included in the planning assumptions; staff said a community member is willing to help lead fundraising.
Staff said the consultant retained to evaluate feasibility will deliver a preliminary recommendation by late January or early February and that council will be asked in early February whether to proceed under the property option agreement. Staff emphasized the existing shelter is functionally inadequate and that prior evaluations found renovation of the existing shelter would be cost-inefficient because it would require extensive work while displacing operations during construction.
Council members asked about lifecycle and mechanical-system condition, odor and HVAC challenges, storage for papering edge cases (e.g., winter weather that delays transfers to county landfill) and expansion potential. Staff said the consultant’s scope includes mechanical and roof-life assessment and that the Dayton Avenue property offers easier long-term expansion than the current site.
Council did not vote to purchase; staff will return with the consultant’s feasibility results and a procurement package for council consideration in early February.
