The Humane Society of Manatee County (HSMC) is overhauling its 2 1/2-acre Bradenton campus, adding a 12,000-square-foot adoption center and a 4,000-square-foot cat facility over the next two years.

The nonprofit announced the project on Tuesday, Sept. 8. A new cat building is expected to open in May 2027, with the larger Second Chance Adoption Center scheduled to follow in May 2028, Pulse of Manatee first reported.

"A major gift and overwhelming community support have made our campus transformation a reality," Rick Yocum, HSMC's executive director, said in the announcement. "... We look forward to opening our new 4,000-square-foot cat facility and the Second Chance Adoption Center, which will serve our community's animal-welfare needs for decades to come."

The donor has not been named. No total project cost has been disclosed.

Shelter to stay open during phased construction

Construction will happen in phases so the shelter can keep taking in and placing animals throughout the work. The no-kill shelter, founded in 1971, sits at 2515 14th St. W. in Bradenton and is open for adoptions Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. HSMC's current adoption center already carries the Second Chance name; the announcement does not specify whether the new building replaces or expands it.

Architect, builder join campus design team

Fawley Bryant Architecture, which has an office on Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, is the project architect. JE Charlotte, a Southwest Florida construction manager whose portfolio includes animal-care facilities, will oversee the build. Jenn Stutler of Stutler Strategies is serving as HSMC's owner's representative.

Stu Henderson, a partner at Fawley Bryant Architecture, said the design centers on lighting, acoustics, circulation and staff workflow to create calmer spaces for animals and the people who care for them. The announcement also highlights ventilation, visibility and the separation of adoption and surrender activities as priorities for the new campus.

Lakewood Ranch residents among those served

HSMC serves all of Manatee County, including Lakewood Ranch residents who adopt, foster or surrender animals there. The phased timeline means the existing adoption center will remain open during construction.

Residents can follow the project at humanemanatee.org.