Construction on the new MAPS 4 Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center has reached its halfway point, officials announced Tuesday with a ceremonial “topping out.” The $42-million, 70,000-square-foot facility is on track for completion this fall. Funded through MAPS 4, the center will play a key role in making Oklahoma City a safer, more welcoming place for both residents and pets. The facility is named in honor of the late Louisa McCune, a passionate animal advocate and former director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation. McCune helped secure MAPS 4 funding for the project and served on the MAPS 4 Neighborhood Subcommittee before her passing in 2024. “Today’s topping out brings us one step closer to our goal of providing a modern, inviting animal welfare experience for Oklahoma City,” said MAPS Program Director David Todd. “We are on schedule, on budget, and eager to welcome both people and animals into this state-of-the-art facility.” The new center will feature four entrances, each dedicated to a different service: adoption, intake, training, and the clinic. Its design prioritizes flow, safety, and hygiene, with separate cat and dog wings to reduce stress and provide natural light through windows in every kennel room. When complete, the facility will house nearly 550 dog kennels and more than 300 cat condos. Additional amenities include outdoor play yards with artificial turf for exercise and socialization, a training room, and meeting spaces for events and educational programs. Construction is taking place behind the current shelter at 2811 SE 29th St. Once the new center opens, the old building will be demolished to make way for a 2,800-square-foot barn next to an adjacent pasture. HSE Architects and Connolly Architects designed the center, with Crossland Construction serving as general contractor. The post MAPS 4 Animal Welfare Center Hits Halfway Mark in Construction appeared first on Oklahoma Gazette. ...read more read less