Pawsperity

Since 2016, Pawsperity has been committed to breaking the poverty cycle and helping families achieve self-reliance through pet grooming. Their holistic approach to financial empowerment includes comprehensive education to become a pet groomer and life skills courses to ensure the long-term success of its graduates.

Pawsperity's growing success and increasing waiting list necessitated a move from their previous facility. They identified a dilapidated former Advanced Auto Parts store, just two doors down, as the site for their new facility. This building had been vacant for several years and presented both challenges and opportunities.

During the space planning phase, it became clear that the growing program and its space requirements would quickly utilize all available area. The initial idea of adding a partial mezzanine proved insufficient. An innovative solution was conceived: demolishing and removing the existing concrete floor slab and excavating an additional 2 feet to create the height needed for a full second story.

The newly designed facility features distinct spaces for both the animal welfare and educational components of Pawsperity's mission. The lower level houses the washing, drying, grooming areas, and a doggy daycare. The upper floor is dedicated to educational spaces, administrative offices, and a small commercial kitchen for making dog treats. This strategic division ensures that each aspect of the program has ample, specialized space.

The robust renovation process included significant site improvements, such as a new secure parking lot, site lighting, and landscaping. The building received selective exterior material reskinning of the existing fluted CMU block façade. A synthetic wood board siding product was selected to warm up the previously utilitarian building. The team also added new storefront glass, large windows, and skylights to enhance natural light into the space. The interior materials and finishes complement and reinforce Pawsperity’s new identity and branding materials.

Clockwork Architecture and Design is proud to have played a crucial role in transforming Pawsperity's vision into a reality. This project showcases our commitment to innovative design solutions that address complex challenges and support community-focused initiatives. The Pawsperity project was the recipient of the Kansas City Business Journal’s 2024 Capstone Award for Community Impact. By reimagining and repurposing a neglected space, we have helped Pawsperity continue their important work, empowering individuals and families through pet grooming education.

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