The best projects are the ones that strengthen the communities they serve.
Located in Columbus' Franklinton neighborhood, Pilot Dogs has been a cornerstone organization for more than 75 years, helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired achieve greater independence through guide dog partnerships and mobility training. As Pilot Dogs continued to grow its impact, it recognized the need to expand both its student accommodations and breeding operations.
Lehman Daman partnered with Pilot Dogs on a multi-building campus expansion that included a significant addition and renovation to the Student Residence Building at 625 W. Town Street and the construction of a new genetics and reproduction lab, known as the Puppy Palace located at 657 W. Town Street.
The completed Student Residence Building (32,201 SF) includes:
- 17 new resident rooms with private courtyard access
- New entry lounge and Pilot Dogs history museum
- Private offices for training staff
- Lecture rooms
- Student lounge and support spaces
- New parking lot with underground stormwater retention system
The new Puppy Palace (17,694 SF) includes:
- Medical-grade dog kennel facilities
- Genetics and reproduction laboratory space
- Training and support areas
- Exterior sensory trail designed to assist with guide dog and student training
We were honored to celebrate this milestone alongside the Pilot Dogs team at the ribbon cutting and to witness the excitement surrounding this next chapter for the organization.
