Mesa Veterinary Clinic which has been in operation for over thirty years wished to update the overall quality, aesthetics, and function of their existing building. The wood structure was built in the 1960's and was designed and constructed for veterinary use, but the physical building construction has long since deteriorated. Additionally, the evolution of veterinary practice had rendered the existing flow and functional relationships inadequate and inefficient. As the existing clinic was directly adjacent to a vacant commercial space, the Owners quickly realized the potential to expand the existing practice into the new space.
Sholar Architecture was commissioned to provide design solutions for expansion and renovation. An initial plan called for an extensive renovation and addition that would completely change the interior flow, while adding new spaces such as a community room and boarding kennels. Unfortunately, budget constraints forced the Owner to scale back on the renovation of the existing clinic, and concentrate strictly on the expansion into the vacant space.  As such, many of the typical veterinary spaces exist within the existing portion of the building to be remodeled in the future; such as the surgery and treatment rooms, wards, radiology, isolation, etc.  Then the new expansion focused on the areas visible to clients, such as the exam rooms, reception, lobby, and waiting areas.
The primary concept of modernizing the existing practice was emulated by the modern form of the exterior and interior architecture which contrasts the traditional, residential form of the existing building. The form also reflects the modern function of the veterinary practice as it relates to the Client aspect of the new addition, specifically the duel check-in stations for Dogs and Cats, separate waiting areas, and direct access to new exam rooms.  A central focal point of the lobby is a custom mural composed of layered acrylic glazing that contains a montage of dogs and cats overlaid on a mountain-view background.
The new exterior form relocated the Client entry from the south end of the building to the north end. Because of this significant change which could potentially confuse existing clients, it was important to emphasis the entry. The resultant design successfully achieves this by the dynamic form, glazed curtain wall, and bold, colorful signs over the entry doors.

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