In an innovative use of county resources, Hamilton County has transformed a 31,000-square-foot warehouse on Winton Road into a temporary shelter for dogs. This space, previously used by the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts to store records, has been cleared as the need for paper storage diminished with the adoption of digital records in Ohio.
Clerk of Courts Pavan Parikh explained the transition: "We are constantly seeking new ways to boost efficiency in our operations. Since Ohio recognized digital records as the official record for cases in Common Pleas Court in 2023 and Municipal Court in 2024, we have been able to accelerate our plans to downsize this space." The team worked diligently to relocate or dispose of records, including shredding over 640,000 pounds of paper and donating unused materials to community projects.
The newly available space will temporarily house more than 100 dogs from Cincinnati Animal CARE's Dane Avenue facility during its renovation. Cat operations will continue at Dane Avenue during this period. Commissioner Denise Driehaus commented on the project’s collaborative nature: “This collaboration shows what we can achieve when working with completely different departments of the County for a common cause.”
Commissioner Stephanie Summerow Dumas highlighted the innovative aspect: “This is more than just a retrofit—it’s a reimagining of how we use our county’s resources.” Commissioner Alicia Reece emphasized creativity and flexibility in repurposing county buildings for public benefit.
Shelter Director Meaghan Colville expressed enthusiasm about future operations: "We are thrilled about the future of our operations at Dane Avenue and are committed to meeting the challenges of transforming Winton Road into a welcoming home for animals.” She noted that they aim to replicate services such as adoptions and volunteer programs at Winton Road while renovations proceed.