The new facility will include retail sales areas, 21 cat rooms, two cage and aviary rooms, along with support facilities. The space will feature "themed" rooms, with work by local artists, and include a variety of colors and patterns along with energy-efficient lighting and Solatube daylighting systems. A grand opening is anticipated in early August.
Maria Brinson, owner of The Purring Parrot, says, "We have created something unique by combining cat and bird lodging into our retail showrooms. Each cat family stays in its own guest suite and enjoys the amenities that we have available. Each walk-in room is a minimum of 4.5 feet by 6 feet by 8 feet with a window door looking out onto the aviary, cage show room, or to simply supervise the business. Each room is large enough for two cats. They are spacious enough for staff members to come in, sit down, and have play time with ‘kitty.'"
Margit E. Whitlock, AIA, principal of Architectural Concepts Inc., says "Our firm is known for creating unique environments to enhance the guest experience. The Purring Parrot provided us a unique opportunity to think outside the box with a smaller, different kind of "guest". This project allowed us to have fun while doing what we are best at - producing a beautiful and functional environment that engages the guest - in this case, cats and birds!"
