After breaking ground on a new multi-million-dollar shelter in Rogers Park, the nonprofit Tree House Humane Society has reportedly run into some trouble. According to a report by the Chicago Tribune, the ambitious undertaking is not only behind schedule but also short on funds.
Though Tree House raised $4 million for the facility, the construction budget has ballooned from $6 million to $7 million over the past year. During the same time, Tree House was only able to bring in an additional $300,000, prompting the nonprofit to take out a $2 million loan to finish work by year's end. The project has also suffered from mismanagement and the departure of multiple high-level staffers.
Designed by the Dobbins Group in collaboration with Summit Design + Build, the 15,000-square-foot facility at 7225 N. Western Avenue is expected to house 200 cats and contain an adoption center, a veterinarian clinic, and Chicago’s first "cat cafe." The project was originally set to open in spring of 2016.
- Chicago's first cat cafe behind schedule, $1 million over budget [Chicago Tribune]
- Tree House Humane Society Ready to Break Ground on New Shelter and Cat Cafe [Curbed Chicago]
- Rogers Park archives [Curbed Chicago]
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