June 2010 Newsletter
Humane Society Heroes To Build New Shelter for Homeless Pets
Founded in 1979, the Humane Society of Williamson County (HSWC), located on 22 acres in Leander, TX, is a beloved nonprofit seeking safe homes for animals in need. To provide the best care and shelter possible, they are collaborating with Round Rock-based FHI Civil & Structural Engineering and Moman Architects to build a larger kennel for their furry guests, as the current 2,400 square foot facility is overcrowded. FHI Principal Larry Fisher, P.E., was recommended to the board of the HSWC for the project and enlisted Moman Architects shortly after.
"Giving to deserving nonprofits within the community where we live and work is a priority for our company," says Fisher.
Work on this important project began in October 2009, and the pro-bono team expects to have all plans drawn this month with the new 3,300 square foot barn completed by the end of 2010. The floor plan will include a kennel, small office and two adoption rooms.
Replacing their deteriorating kennel has been a long-awaited goal for the organization, which relies solely on donations, grants, and fees for services. Immediate gifts needed include bleach, paper towels, kitty litter, copy paper, flowers, monetary donations and volunteers. They are diligently working to raise the final $50,000 to complete the renovation.
"The new barn means so much to the dogs as it will provide them better day to day living conditions," says Juliana deRosa, Executive Director of the HSWC. "There aren’t enough thank you’s to express our gratitude and there are even more happy wagging tails to add to that!"
To end animal homelessness the HSWC, a no-kill shelter, adopts approximately 140-160 pets each month and is the only low cost public spay/neuter clinic in Williamson County. For ways to help make this dream a reality for these four-legged friends, please call 512-260-3602 or visit www.hswc.net.
Williamson County Unveils Premier Civic Facility
A festive open house and ribbon cutting took place on Wednesday, June 16th for the new J.B. and Hallie Jester Williamson County Annex and Public Safety Building located at 1801 E. Old Settler’s Boulevard in Round Rock. The event featured several local artists and community groups including the Round Rock Ballet Folklorico, Georgetown Fire Department Pipes & Drums, The Curfews Band, The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter, The Military Moms of Texas, and many others. Attendees were given tours of the complex.
The 29,000 square foot Annex includes several buildings featuring a new courtroom, offices for several elected officials including Precinct 1 Commissioner Lisa Birkman, a 2,700 square foot community room for public events, as well as a state-of-the-art public safety building housing the EMS Medic 11 Station (North Command) and a Sheriff’s Substation.
"The new facility is strategically located to meet the needs of the community and will allow us to add additional resources in the future," says Kenny Schnell, Williamson County EMS Director. "By 2012 we also hope to move in our South Command, which will provide more assistance in field operations and leadership to our growing workforce."
The Annex also houses the first Tax Collector office in the county to offer a convenient drive through window for paying taxes and fees.
The $6.8 million dollar project was designed by Moman Architects and constructed by Chasco Constructors and completed on time.