Phoenix, Ariz. (June 18, 2025) – Sundt Construction began construction last month on the Phoenix Zoo’s new Veterinary Medical Center which encompasses the Midwestern University Zoological Medical Institute, and the JoEllen and Philip Doornbos Veterinary Student Center, all within The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Animal Care & Conservation Campus.
The project includes a new 27,000-square-foot, two-story Veterinary Medical Center and a 10,000-square-foot Doornbos Animal Rescue and Care Center. The Veterinary Medical Center building includes a surgical suite, diagnostic scanning and treatment areas, laboratories, pharmacy, animal holding/recovery, education and learning centers, a public viewing area, and administration support spaces. The Doornbos Care Center will provide temporary holding and quarantine space for animals arriving to or leaving the zoo as well as those rescued from wildlife trafficking. Sundt is donating its construction management services for the project.
“We are incredibly grateful to Sundt Construction for their remarkable generosity and leadership in making this project a reality,” says Bert Castro, President and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo. “Their donation of construction management services represents a true commitment to animal welfare and community impact. Their partnership is not only helping us build a world-class veterinary facility, it’s helping ensure the health and well-being of animals for years to come.”
“We are excited to partner with the zoo on this important new space for its animals,” said Jim Pullen, Sundt Project Executive. “The Phoenix Zoo is a vital community attraction, and this new veterinary space ensures animals can continue to receive exceptional care from the Zoo’s veterinarians and animal care team.”
The Veterinary Medical Center project is anticipated to take 16 months for construction.
Currently, Sundt is building several projects across the Phoenix metro region, including the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant, the Town of Gilbert Ocotillo Road Improvements, Greenfield to Higley project and the North Water Treatment Plant Facility Upgrades and Reconstruction for the Town of Gilbert.
About Sundt
Sundt Construction, Inc. (www.sundt.com) is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. The 135-year-old firm specializes in transportation, water and wastewater, advanced facilities, heavy industrial and mining, building, concrete and renewable power work and is owned entirely by its 4,000 employees. Sundt is distinguished by its diverse capabilities and experience, unique employee-ownership culture and depth of self-perform expertise in multiple trades. Much of Sundt’s workforce is comprised of skilled craft professionals who, together with the company’s administrative employees, enable Sundt to fulfill its mission to be the most skilled builder in America. Sundt has 13 offices throughout California, Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Utah and Florida and is currently ranked the country’s 46th largest construction company by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine.