Helen Woodward Animal Center Dedicates New Worldwide HQ With Pomp And Circumstance
Helen Woodward animal center's new multimillion dollar headquarters was dedicated Saturday, April 16 with speeches and festivities. The new address is 6523 Helen Woodward Way -- formerly Calle Del Nido.
“It’s not exactly Noah and the Ark,” said John Van Zante, Helen Woodward Animal Center spokesman. “But this move is a major undertaking after more than 35 years in the first building that Helen erected to care for orphan animals and to educate children.”
Bryce Rhodes, Chairman of the Center’s Board of Directors and grandson of Helen Whittier Woodward, believes his grandmother would be pleased. “She had a great love of animals. It would definitely make her happy to see what has become of the work that she began when she bought this property 40 years ago,” he said.
HWAC President Mike Arms says that the new facility has been a long time coming. “Even before I arrived at HWAC in 1999 there was already talk about the need to expand in order to continue serving the community that has grown around the Center," Arms said. "It’s been my honor to lead us through this phase of construction and into the future of the Center.”
The new building, located near the original entrance of the center on San Dieguito Road, covers 20,358-square feet., acording to Van Zante.
While the mailing address for HWAC will remain as P.O. Box 64, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, the physical address will become 6523 Helen Woodward Way, Suite 100.
Phone service and computer operation will be temporarily interrupted on Monday morning, April 18 as communications links are moved to the new building. Until that time, contact Helen Woodward Animal Center at 858-756-4117 for more information.
