Exterior view of the Laurie P. Andrews Paws Center featuring integrated animal care, intake and adoption spaces designed to support efficient shelter operations and a welcoming community experience.

Laurie P. Andrews Paws Center

An animal shelter required a facility that supports daily operations while creating a welcoming environment for visitors. The solution delivered a functional space that balances durability, efficiency and a thoughtful design reflecting its purpose.

Project Overview

Designing an animal shelter required balancing operational efficiency with a positive experience for both staff and visitors. The facility needed to support animal care, intake and adoption within a cohesive layout.

Through coordinated design and integrated building systems, the team delivered a space that supports daily workflows while creating a more approachable environment. The result is a facility that performs reliably while reinforcing its role in the community.

VP Builder
Alamo System Industries, LLC
Construction Type
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Location
Edinburg, TX
Industry
Commercial & Offices, Agricultural, Civic & Community
Square Footage
28,000
Completed
2015

Building a business advantage

Business Advantage

Well-coordinated building solutions support operational efficiency, productivity and long-term business growth.

Durable Performance

Engineered through collaborative design processes that help buildings perform reliably under demanding operational conditions.

Future Ready

Flexible building solutions support future expansion, adaptation and changing operational requirements.

Laurie P. Andrews Paws Center

Designed for care and community connection

Animal shelters operate on a steady rhythm, with intake, care, recovery and adoption all happening within the same environment. Each function depends on the next, which makes layout and flow just as important as durability.

For this 28,000-square-foot facility completed in February 2016, Alamo System Industries, LLC, a Varco Pruden Builder, developed a design-build solution that supports both operations and visitor experience.

The building’s rigid frame system provides open interior space, allowing staff to move efficiently between areas dedicated to animal care. A sally port creates a controlled entry point for animal intake, improving safety and organization. Covered canopies extend that functionality, offering protection at key access points for both staff and visitors.

A space that reflects its purpose

Inside, natural light plays a key role. skylights introduce daylight into the building, improving visibility while creating a more comfortable environment for animals and staff throughout the day.

The exterior incorporates TextureClad™ panels at the front of the building, paired with graphic elements that reflect the facility’s mission. These details give the building a clear identity without relying on complex systems.

Even within the lobby, design elements reinforce the purpose of the space, creating a setting that feels approachable while remaining practical.

The SSR™ Roof System and Panel Rib™ wall system provide long-term durability, supporting daily use and minimizing maintenance demands over time.

The result is a facility that handles the realities of animal care while presenting a clear, welcoming presence for the community it serves.

Exterior view of the Laurie P. Andrews Paws Center featuring integrated animal care and adoption facilities, durable operational design and a welcoming shelter environment developed to support daily operations and community engagement.

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