COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus Animal Care Services on Wednesday broke ground on its new shelter, the Wendy H. Elwood Animal Care Services Center, marking a major milestone in the city’s effort to expand and modernize local animal care.

The 21,000‑square‑foot facility will be built across the street from the current shelter near the Columbus Municipal Airport. Force Construction has begun site preparation, and the project is expected to be completed in July 2027.

During the ceremony, Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon thanked project partners and supporters for helping bring the long‑anticipated facility to reality.

“We’re excited to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Wendy H. Elwood Animal Care Service Center,” Ferdon said. “This is a gift to our city, beginning with the incredible generosity of Mark and Wendy Elwood. We all know of Wendy’s love of animals she shows in so many ways.”

Ferdon also recognized Columbus Animal Care Services Director Nichol Birdwell Goodin, noting that “Nichol’s commitment to this shelter and the wellbeing of animals has been a critical reason we’ve gotten to this place.”

Mark and Wendy Elwood donated $1 million toward the project, matching a $1 million community capital campaign. Their contribution supports a facility designed to meet modern standards for animal care, public access and long‑term operational reliability.

Under an agreement between the city and Force Construction, the project has a guaranteed maximum price of $9.8 million, including $8.6 million for construction and $1.2 million for furnishings, equipment and other outfitting needs.

The new facility will replace the current 4,900‑square‑foot building, which has long faced maintenance issues, including electrical problems, moisture reduction challenges and inadequate ventilation. Limited space has contributed to chronic overcrowding.

Funding for the project includes:
• $5 million from the city’s general fund
• $1.7 million in READI (Regional Economic Development Acceleration and Development Initiative) funds
• $1 million from Mark and Wendy Elwood
• $1 million from a community capital campaign

City officials say the upgraded space will increase capacity, improve public services and create a safer, healthier environment for animals and staff.