Aurora unveils plan for new $51.3 million animal shelter; CMGC delivery and phased contracts planned

Acting Housing and Community Services Director John Wasilawski and consultants briefed council on March 23 about a proposed new animal shelter to replace the current facility near Chambers and 32nd Avenue.

The planned two‑story building would be about 42,000 square feet; staff described a larger intake area, two distinct intake flows for surrenders and adoptions, 118 dog kennels and 110 cat kennels. The project budget was presented as approximately $51.3 million with a projected delivery schedule from 2026 to 2028.

Staff said funding will be layered from several sources including ARPA funds, certificates of participation (COPs), at least one state grant, private philanthropic gifts (including a named "catio" gift), impact fees and existing capital funds. The city will use a construction manager/general contractor (CMGC) delivery model that allows staged bid packages and multiple contract awards as design details and priorities are refined; staff said the approach helps manage risk and keep the project within the fixed budget.

The design will allow physical expansion later if future councils choose to fund growth. Staff also noted a robust foster program — in 2025 more than 1,200 animals were placed into foster homes — and said the project team has embedded shelter staff in design to ensure operational needs are reflected.

What happens next: staff will return with contract awards in the coming weeks and months under the CMGC delivery plan; council received the update and closed the study session ahead of an executive session.