Seattle Humane
When Seattle Humane outgrew its 1960s-era facility, Johnston Architects designed a new 57,000 SF shelter that expands capacity and deepens the organization’s mission to serve pets and people in need. The new building increases the number of animals Seattle Humane can care for by 35 percent while providing state-of-the-art spaces for adoption, education, and veterinary care, all designed to support the health, comfort, and dignity of every animal.
To avoid interrupting operations, the new shelter was constructed adjacent to the existing building on the same site. This approach allowed Seattle Humane to remain open and fully functional throughout construction.
Details
LOCATION Bellevue WA
SIZE 57,000 SF
COMPLETED 2018
ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT Animal Arts
PHOTOGRAPHY Ed Sozinho + Tim Murphy
AWARDS + RECOGNITION
2019 Archello
Built on a steep slope, the three-story structure takes advantage of the terrain. Visitors enter via a pedestrian bridge leading to the main level, which houses adoption areas, a cat colony, and a public pet supply store.
Program spaces and species are distributed across different floors to reduce stress and noise. Acoustical engineering and carefully designed kennels help minimize sound travel and provide privacy and calm for animals in care.
A dedicated veterinary hospital, developed in partnership with Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, provides hands-on training for students while ensuring high-quality medical care for shelter animals.
In addition to animal housing and care, the facility includes an on-site food bank, extending Seattle Humane’s mission of compassion and connection beyond its walls.
