New Jersey Herald: Andover Animal Hospital relocating to landmark barn
By JESSICA MASULLI
July 13, 2011
ANDOVER TWP. — The two-story red barn that sits as a landmark from 1910 on the corner of Limecrest and Newton-Sparta roads will become home to the Andover Animal Hospital.
“This charming barn will allow us to serve our clients in a more comfortable and spacious environment,” said Jill Hummel, practice administrator for the animal hospital.
The Andover Animal Hospital, which currently exists on Route 517 in Sparta, will make its move sometime in December upon the completion of the renovation project, which began in June.
Photo by Tracy Klimek/New Jersey Herald. Andover Animal Hospital is renovating this red barn, a landmark since 1910, located at the intersection of Limecrest and Newton-Sparta roads in Andover. Currently located on Route 517 in Sparta, the animal hospital plans to make its move sometime in December.
Hummel said the new facility will offer 8,043 square feet of space and will double the number of exam rooms to four. The silo will be renovated into a “comfort room” where people can comfortably have consultations and make pet euthanasia decisions.
“The area is medically outfitted, but decorated like a room in your home,” Hummel said. “It is more relaxing for a family going through difficult times.”
The new facility also will have digital radiography, a newer form of x-ray imaging, and a children’s play nook in the waiting area. Andover Animal Hospital will have 1,000 square feet that will be later used for future expansion of the facility, according to Hummel.
TWC Architecture & Construction of Minnesota was picked by Andover Animal Hospital to do the construction because of its experience and speciality in building animal hospitals.
“Veterinary hospitals are like human hospitals, but on a smaller scale,” Hummel said about the need for specialized constructions.
The red barn will remain mostly the same in design and structure, but the inside will be upgraded to specialized technology and equipment. Hummel said the barn suffered a fire in 1930, but has remained as a landmark in the community, especially because of its visibility to the main road. The barn once housed All American Crafts Publishing and I Love Furniture, but was bought by the animal hospital in November 2010.
The Andover Township Land Use Board gave the site a preliminary approval on March 15. Then, following a public hearing, the project was officially granted approval on April 5.
Andover Animal Hospital has been located in Sparta since 1958.
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