The Main Building is Officially Open!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily Smicker
Phone: (814) 864-4091
Email: esmicker@eriezoo.org
The Erie Zoo’s Main Building Reopens
Erie, PA – On Wednesday, May 25th the Erie Zoo is reopening their Main Building for the first time in over two years.
As part of the zoo’s Wild Open Spaces Capital Campaign, construction on the building began in the fall of 2019 thanks to a generous gift from Erie philanthropist Tom Hagen. The goal of the project was to restore the building back to its historical 1930’s façade as well as make some minor improvements to the interior.
Utilizing the original blueprints and specifications, architect Jeff Kidder of Kidder Architect along with contractors Perry Construction, Church & Murdock Electric, Northwest Restoration and Scobell Company accomplished this goal. The full scope of work encompasses a full exterior restoration including brick work, exposure of the “Glenwood Zoo” nameplate above the front entrance, a new slate roof and copper accents matching the original building design, new doors, windows and skylights, the addition of landscaping and visitor patio, and a renovated front entrance including ADA access. Interior work includes a new air system, improved visitor viewing on select exhibits, refurbished railings, all new plantings, and a fresh coat of paint.
The Main Building remains home to a number of species including black and white ruffed lemurs, naked mole rats, meerkats, small exotic cat species, and more.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on the front steps of the Main Building on Wednesday, May 25th at 10:15am. Remarks will be made by the donor, Tom Hagen, the Erie Zoo Board of Directors Chairman Jeff Beach, Mayor Joe Schember, and County Executive Brenton Davis. After the ribbon cutting, the building will be open to all visitors during the Erie Zoo’s daily operating hours of 10am-5pm.
The Erie Zoo is dedicated to nurturing an appreciation of the world and providing the Erie community with meaningful educational and recreational experiences that foster a greater sense of awareness, stewardship and conservation of animals and plants. The Erie Zoo is open daily from 10am-5pm and more information can be found at www.eriezoo.org.
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