ASPCA Recovery & Rehabilitation Center
A purpose-built sanctuary for recovery and compassionate care.
HLW’s design for the ASPCA Recovery & Rehabilitation (R&R) Center establishes a new benchmark for facilities dedicated to canine victims of cruelty and neglect. Developed in collaboration with Animal Arts, the center supports dogs rescued through the ASPCA’s partnership with the NYPD, providing comprehensive veterinary and behavioral care within a purpose-built healing environment.
Accommodating up to 88 dogs, the facility prioritizes individualized treatment and behavioral recovery. Small kennel groupings and stress-reducing indoor/outdoor runs provide access to natural light and fresh air while carefully managing sensory stimulation to create a calmer environment for animals throughout the rehabilitation process.
Sustainability is integral to the center’s design and performance. The fully electric facility provides 100% outdoor air and reduces energy costs by 22.9%, while water-saving strategies eliminate permanent irrigation and reduce indoor water consumption by more than 40%. Material and construction strategies achieve an 18% reduction in embodied carbon. The project achieved LEED v4 BD+C Gold Certification, reinforcing the ASPCA’s commitment to compassionate care through high-performance, environmentally responsible design.
Purpose-built environments prioritize behavioral recovery, individualized care, and animal well-being.
Natural light, fresh air, and controlled stimulation create calmer, restorative spaces for healing.
LEED Gold, all-electric design advances energy efficiency, water conservation, and embodied carbon reduction.
Designing for Recovery
Designing for Sustainable Performance
