CAMDEN — P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center's Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to select Albertson Builders and Services as general contractor for its new facility at 123 John Street, Camden. The renovation project is expected to take about four months once demolition gets underway in June.

The project is the centerpiece of the organization's "Forever Home" capital campaign. With a goal of $1 million, the campaign is targeted to achieve this goal in time for the Grand Opening of the new center when renovations have been completed.

In announcing the selection Board President Joe Ryan said in a news release: "P.A.W.S. is delighted to have a local firm with such a terrific history in Midcoast in charge of this project. Our capital campaign is focused on getting the work done to create a full-service community resource at the John Street building and provide a modern, efficient space for animal treatment and care that will be a community resource for many years to come. The Board is thrilled that Tom Albertson is going to make our dream a reality."

Changes to the exterior of the existing building, formerly an emergency ambulance headquarters, will be minimal as seen in the architect's rendering. Interior renovations will result in a substantial increase in animal treatment and care capacity, with separate dog and cat wings, as well as community meeting and training space, an outdoor exercise area and administrative offices.

P.A.W.S. will continue to maintain its Rockport dog park, named for board member and benefactor Jean Kislak.

Albertson Builders and Services in Rockport was established in 1992. Tom Albertson, firm president, an animal lover who was eager to be part of the "Forever Home" campaign with this project, said in the release, "I look forward to working with the P.A.W.S. board and staff to realize their vision for their new facility."

For more information about P.A.W.S. "Forever Home" capital campaign visit the organization's website at www.pawsadoption.org or contact Executive Director Amie Hutchison at amieh@pawsadoption.org, 691-9198.