No doubt you noticed some pretty fancy doghouses scattered throughout our fair city. With the overwhelming success of the Horse Fever project, the Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) has come up with another winning idea. It’s called Barkitecture.
This time, instead of painted horses on display around town, residents enjoyed visiting a variety of unique dog houses.
Now, in an effort to raise much-needed funds for both the Humane Society of Marion County and the Marion Cultural Alliance, these one-of-a-kind dog houses are being auctioned off to the highest bidder. Artisans and animal lovers will come together on February 2 at Custom Window Systems to celebrate the success of Barkitecture. For reservations and your chance to own one of these puppy palaces, call (352) 369-1500.
Woofenheim Museum
Created by: J.C. Morton Company, Designs ‘N’ Foam, Inc. and Anibal Rodriguez
Sponsored by: Taylor, Bean & Whitaker and Compass Health and Fitness
Located at: Compass Health and Fitness, 3438 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
The motto of Taylor, Bean & Whitaker is “perfecting the art of mortgage lending.” With that in mind, the dogsigners of Woofenheim chose to create a replica of one of the greatest art houses in the world—the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Inside the house, works of framed doggie art are featured. The tile floor is easy to clean and provides a comfortable, cool place for Fido to rest on a warm summer day.
Dog Hill Downs
Created by: J. Leard Construction, Inc. and M&W Builders of Florida, LLC
Sponsored by: Panther Print Solutions
Located at: Panther Print Solutions, 2715 NE 36th Ave.
The creators of Dog Hill Downs thought it appropriate to design a starting gate themed doghouse since Marion County is the Thoroughbred training capital of the world. The four dogs pictured on the house eagerly await the starting gun before taking off! The first back wins the greatest prize of all—a relaxing stay in Dog Hill Downs.
Deebar Farm
Created by: Diana Barge, Deebar Photography
Sponsored by: Marion Cultural Alliance
Located at: Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St.
This project combined three of Diana Barge’s favorite things—horses, dogs, and charity. The quaint stable that is Deebar Farm is the perfect resting place for any weary dog. To ensure the house looked like a horse stable, Diana paid close attention to the details including the miniaturized three-board fencing that surrounds the house.
The Poma “Marion” Theatre
Created by: Genesis Construction & Management, Inc.
Sponsored by: Genesis Construction & Management, Inc. and the City of Ocala
Located at: The Marion Theatre, 50 S. Magnolia Ave. and The Marion Cultural Alliance at Brick City Center for the Arts, 23 SW Broadway St.
In honor of the grand re-opening of Ocala’s historic Marion Theatre, Genesis Construction & Management, Inc. chose to create a replica of the theater for their Barkitecture entry.
The doghouse, designed in the same streamlined art deco style as the theater, is perfect for any culture-loving pooch. The detail work on this house includes mini playbills and a true-to-life reproduction of the theater’s well-known marquee sign.
1891 Chambliss House
Created by: Steniford Construction Services, Inc.
Sponsored by: Ocala Magazine
Located at: Ocala Magazine, 743 SE Fort King Street
Wire hanging baskets, sealed hard pine flooring, and novelty wood siding make this a unique dog house to say the least. This beautiful dog house is a replication of the three-story house that is home to Ocala Magazine. Just like the real build-ing, the roof was created using cedar shingles and copper flashings. Detailed scroll-work and support posts add architectural detail to the house. A family of dogs peaks out the windows to see who might be stopping by for a visit. A tiny wicker rocking chair beside the bay window is the perfect finishing touch.
Imagine A Purr-fect World
Created by: Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, Mark Harrington, and Green Brothers Construction
Sponsored by: Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, Groomingdales Pet Salon, and All ‘Bout Cats & Dogs Pet Resort
Located at: Ocala/Marion County Association of Realtors, 3105 NE 14th St.
This unique Barkitecture house was designed with all animals in mind. Imagine A Purr-fect World is the perfect resting place for dogs, cats, hamsters, and birds. This home is a sanctuary where all animals can live together in peace and harmony. The three-story structure is filled with plenty of cozy cubbies as well as large, open spaces.
The Mini Poocher
Created by: Scott Hamblin, The Resource Factory
Sponsored by: Dee Dee’s Doghouse
Located at: Dee Dee’s Doghouse, 531 NE 1st Ave.
Anybody who loves hotdogs knows that Dee Dee’s doghouse delivers their tasty dogs via a suped-up Mini-Cooper with a hotdog on top! The Mini Poocher was modeled after the delivery car. This fun doghouse features a fan as a side view mirror, eyes as headlights, and a wagging tongue. Perfect for the dog on the go!
Through the years,
the Marion Cultural Alliance has brought
a variety of cultural events to Ocala
including The Artist Within, Bark About Art,
and Horse Fever. Barkitecture has been another success!
Want To Help?
As Marion County’s oldest 501(c)(3) organization, the Humane Society needs our help more than ever. That’s where the Marion Cultural Alliance comes in. Proceeds from Barkitecture will be split between the two very worthy causes. On any given day, the Humane Society houses, on average, 150 dogs and 70-plus cats. As a no-kill shelter, the staff and volunteers of the Humane Society work hard to place the animals with kind, loving homes. For further details visit www.dogtownflorida.com
