O’Donnell & Naccarato Celebrates Completion of New Elmwood Park Zoo Animal Hospital, Welcome Center 

The 39,000 square-foot facility is part of a three-phase plan to revitalize the beloved Philadelphia-area landmark 

Norristown, Pennsylvania – O’Donnell & Naccarato (O&N), a leading and employee-owned structural engineering firm headquartered in Philadelphia, celebrated the completion of the Elmwood Park Zoo’s brand new, 39,000 square-foot animal hospital and welcome center. The project’s completion, which coincides with the zoo’s 100-year anniversary, is part of a three-phase plan to transform the beloved Philadelphia-area landmark into a world-class zoological institution and expand its 38-acre footprint. 

O&N provided structural engineering design services for the three-story building, which houses the 17,000 square-foot Frank & Paige Engro Veterinary Health Center, complete with a state-of-the-art surgical suite, diagnostic lab, indoor and outdoor recovery wards, and in-house pharmacy. The facility also includes 8,000 square feet of new administrative space above a beautifully reimagined entrance plaza featuring new ticket windows, rest areas, and gift shop. 

“As a longtime supporter of the Elmwood Park Zoo, O&N is proud to contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime revitalization effort,” said Anthony Naccarato, PE, SE, F.ASCE., Chairman & CEO of O&N. “With this incredible new facility, the Elmwood Park Zoo will continue to serve as a leading educational and cultural destination for its next 100 years.” 

The building’s primary structural system utilizes composite steel-floor framing, steel braced frames, shallow foundations, and a steel-framed roof structure.  

O&N worked alongside Charles Cross Architecture, which served as the lead architect on the project. Barry Isett & Associates provided mechanical, electrical and plumbing services; Apex Design served as civil engineer; Earth Engineering performed geotechnical work; and INTECH Construction served as general contractor. 

O&N has provided structural engineering services for several specialty projects throughout the U.S., including the three-acre Soundscape Park & ExoStage adjacent to the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center symphony hall in Miami Beach, Florida. The firm’s other projects include a new wellness center for the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers, Indiana and the production studio for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara cruise lines in North Miami, Florida. 

About O’Donnell & Naccarato     

O’Donnell & Naccarato is an employee-owned structural engineering firm operating nationally from our offices in Philadelphia, Mountainside, New Jersey, New York City, Indianapolis, Miami, Orlando and Columbus. With strong experience in every major vertical construction sector, O’Donnell & Naccarato supports the entire lifecycle of a building, starting with the initial structural design to renovations and ultimately to restoration.       

As a partner to design professionals, owners and institutions, our objective is to incorporate each stakeholder’s demands of form, function, schedule and budget into each engagement. O’Donnell & Naccarato is a proud Employee Stock Ownership Plan company, providing all employees the opportunity to share in the success of the firm.     

For more information, visit www.o-n.com.