Museum of Dog Planning Move to Larger Quarters in Pittsfield
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Museum of Dog needs a bigger doghouse.
Owner David York had plans to rehabilitate the former Quinn's Paint & Wallpaper building at the corner of Canal and Union streets but now says the historic building isn't large enough for his collection of dog artifacts and art — and to do the programming he's planning.
"We are averaging over 800 visitors per week and we are out of room," York wrote in an email about putting the building on the market. "People are driving 2 to 3 hours for experiences at Museum of Dog with their dogs."
York opened his collection in the 8,000-square-foot building earlier this year. The museum has received an enormous amount of fanfare in articles across the country, including in Parade and The Boston Globe.
Plans have been to restore the building to its original condition — since the closure of Quinn's it's seen several uses, most recently as a bar and an antiques store.
"The Union Street building has been great due to its history, location and character," York wrote. "We certainly need more [square] footage on one or 2 levels to accommodate Nat Geo and Sundance dog short films and a few other new collections I've acquired."
He purchased the building almost a year ago for $220,000 and has listed the property for $299,000 with Burnham Gold Real Estate.
York made his fortune in real estate and opened Atlanta's first doggy day-care facility and a couple facilities in Texas. He also had been active with animal rescues in the Atlanta area.
Since arriving in North Adams, York has become more invested in the city. He recently opened Bowlin' on the River, a salad and coffee shop on Marshall Street, and has plans for a second coffee shop on Main Street.
He's also become involved with local dog and humane shelter activities, most recently judging the grand marshal for the Fall Foliage Festival Parade. This year's theme is "Year of the Dog" based largely on his museum.
York said the decision of where to move the Museum of Dog has so far been narrowed to two locations but did not yet indicate where those buildings are.
Update 3:27 p.m.: While York did not respond to a query earlier in the day about whether he was leaving North Adams, he later told The Berkshire Eagle that he was looking in Pittsfield because he could not find anything suitably sized in downtown North Adams or that would not require rezoning.
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