Denton approves $17.55 million CMAR contract to expand Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center

Christine Stewart, construction project manager, told the council the project expands the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center by about 9,000 square feet, expands the veterinary clinic from roughly 1,000 to 3,000 square feet, adds 19 parking spaces and five play yards, and includes phased renovations of the existing facility. The construction manager at‑risk contract (CMAR) with Steele & Freeman, Inc. carries a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) not to exceed $17,546,956.

Staff said the project schedule aims to begin construction in May or June and run roughly 12 months for the addition, with subsequent phased renovations to conclude by an estimated November 2027 (total construction timeline ~18 months). Seth Garcia, director of capital projects, told council there is about $500,000 of contingency built into the GMP and additional contingency sources remain in the program budget. Council members asked whether the project will require additional funding beyond the 2023 bond package; staff said earlier council action authorized certificates of obligation and an additional $4.5 million request was approved in December 2024 to address scope and market changes.

Nikki Sassenas, director of animal services, described relocation planning: animals will remain in place during initial construction and be moved into the new addition in mid‑2027, with design features intended to buffer noise during high‑noise events such as fireworks.

Council discussed contractor experience, bidding and subcontractor participation; staff said the CMAR selection followed state procurement rules and dozens of subcontract bids were aggregated into the GMP. The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the CMAR contract passed 7–0.

Next steps: execution of the contract, preconstruction coordination and phased construction staging to minimize impacts to shelter operations.