For many years, the Animal Shelter in Guilford County was at 4525 W. Wendover Ave.
However, Guilford County built a new shelter and is now tearing down buildings at the former shelter to prepare for putting the land up for sale. The land the old animal shelter sits on is considered a prime piece of real estate since it’s on Wendover just south of I-40 in a prime location for retail and other commercial property.
The county commissioners, earlier this year, discussed whether it would be better for Guilford County to put the property on the market “as is” – with several dilapidated buildings that used to hold animals – or to tear those buildings down in order to prepare for sale.
On Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners voted “to declare the property as surplus and direct staff to solicit bids in an amount not to exceed $250,000 to clear the property as soon as possible, authorize staff to take any and all necessary actions to clear the property if costs are within the not to exceed amount, and proceed with any necessary budget amendments.”
According to an update from Guilford County Communications and PR Director Julie Smith, that process is costing less than anticipated.
“We are currently in the process of demolishing the buildings and stabilizing the site,” Smith said of the old animal shelter. “The bids came in well under budget.”
The board hasn’t yet voted on the sale of the property. However, commissioners have so far expressed every indication that they will do so once the work is complete. The sale is expected to bring a pretty penny to the county since the location is on a corridor a densely packed with retail stores, restaurants and auto dealerships.
Over the years, Guilford County Facilities Department directors have been approached by business owners who wanted to buy the property if and when the shelter moved – and that move is now complete.
Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston, who’s a real estate agent and developer, said last year that the property will indeed be very attractive to some buyers when it goes on the market.
Alston said he believes the land will serve a higher purpose as a commercial property rather than a county-owned one.
