Construction of the MAPS 4 Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center in Oklahoma City has reached a significant milestone as officials marked the halfway point of the project this week.
The new 70,000-square-foot animal welfare facility, funded through the MAPS 4 program, will eventually replace the city’s existing animal shelter and expand services for pets and residents across the region.
City officials held a ceremonial “topping out” event Tuesday to recognize progress on the project and celebrate the structural phase of construction.
“Today’s topping out brings us one step closer to our goal of providing a modern, inviting animal welfare experience for Oklahoma City,” MAPS Program Director David Todd said. “We are on schedule, on budget, and eager to welcome both people and animals into this state-of-the-art facility.”
Once completed, the center will feature a design focused on improving both animal care and visitor experience.
The facility will include four dedicated entrances, each serving a specific function: adoption, animal intake, training and veterinary clinic services. Officials say the layout is intended to streamline operations and create a more comfortable environment for pets and visitors.
Outdoor play yards with artificial turf will allow animals to exercise and socialize, while indoor spaces will include training rooms and meeting areas designed for community events and educational programs.
The upgraded amenities are expected to improve adoption services, provide more resources for pet owners and enhance training opportunities for staff and volunteers.
The new animal welfare center is currently under construction behind the existing city shelter located at 2811 SE 29th Street in Oklahoma City.
By building the new facility on the same campus, city officials aim to maintain operations at the current shelter until the new center is ready to open.
The completed center will be named in honor of Louisa McCune, whose contributions and legacy in the community are being recognized through the project.
The animal welfare center is one of several projects funded through the MAPS 4 initiative, a voter-approved program designed to invest in major civic improvements across Oklahoma City.
MAPS 4 includes funding for parks, transit upgrades, youth centers and other public facilities aimed at improving quality of life for residents.
City leaders say the new animal welfare center will play a key role in modernizing Oklahoma City’s animal services and expanding its ability to care for pets while encouraging responsible pet ownership.
Officials say the new facility represents a significant upgrade compared with the current shelter, which has faced capacity and infrastructure limitations over the years. The larger space will allow for improved animal housing, enhanced medical care and more efficient adoption services.
With construction now halfway complete, the project remains on track as crews continue structural work and prepare for the next phases of development. Once finished, the center is expected to serve as a regional hub for animal welfare, offering improved facilities for adoption, treatment and community outreach programs.
Originally reported by Terré Gables/KFOR in KFOR.
