Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2026-137 authorizing the City Manager to execute a design and construction contract with Cowtown Design and Build, LLC, for the Animal Adoption Center Cat Solarium Expansion project, using a bequest from the Estate of Dorothy Ray Holley, in the amount not to exceed $1,080,000; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTER:
Community Services
BACKGROUND:
The City’s Animal Adoption Center was constructed in 2009 and is approximately 5,810 square feet, providing shelter for up to 30 cats and 40 dogs. With continued population growth in Farmers Branch, the current facility is at capacity to house additional animals.
In 2023, the City of Farmers Branch was the beneficiary of a generous gift from the estate of Dorothy Ray Holley. The City received a $1.5 million donation with the intent of constructing a Cat Solarium expansion, a new, exclusive cat wing to house additional feral and stray kittens and cats.
With assistance from Quorum Architects, the City developed a general Needs Assessment and Conceptual Plan for the expansion of the Animal Adoption Center. The Needs Assessment recommended constructing a separate Cat Solarium of approximately 1,000 square feet, with flexible space and individual holding rooms. The proposed expansion would consist of a cat playroom, shelter rooms, a meet-and-greet area, and an isolation room for unhealthy cats and kittens. The addition of the Cat Solarium will increase feline capacity at the Animal Adoption Center by 25 percent. Moreover, the Animal Adoption Center’s current feline facilities will be repurposed to house additional shelter dogs, allowing for complete separation of cats and dogs at the shelter.
DISCUSSION:
Staff prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Design/Build consultants to provide architectural and construction services for the Cat Solarium expansion project to the Animal Adoption Center. The RFP for the Farmers Branch Animal Adoption Center Cat Solarium Addition was released on June 18, 2026. Nine firms expressed interest in the project by attending the mandatory meeting and by participating in an Animal Adoption Center walk-through and presentation with City staff.
The RFP submission deadline was Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Three RFP submittals were received. The committee determined two firms’ submittals were responsive and one firm was non-responsive. The RFP Committee conducted interviews with the two responsive firms, Cowtown Design and Build, LLC and D&G Construction, Inc., and reviewed the RFP criteria and rated each proposal based on the following criteria:
§ Price
§ Schedule
§ Proposal Content
§ Staff Experience
§ Reputation/References
§ Prior Municipal/Government Experience
Although both proposals were similar in concept, Cowtown Design and Build, LLC offered a more competitive price, and the RFP Committee ultimately selected Cowtown Design and Build, LLC as the preferred consultant.
Resolution No. 2026-137 would authorize the City Manager to execute a design and construction contract with Cowtown Design and Build, LLC, for the Animal Adoption Center Cat Solarium Expansion project. Cowtown's timeline is approximately nine to ten months and includes architectural and construction services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted financial impact of $1,080,000 utilizing funds donated by the estate of Dorothy Ray Holley.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-137 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2026-137 with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2026-137
2. Exhibit A - Cowtown Design and Build Contract
3. Presentation