Friday Funny: New Feline 'Dorms' Will Be Fancy Feast for the Eyes

Florida Southern College, the National Register-listed campus that features "the largest concentration of [Frank Lloyd] Wright designed structures anywhere in the world," has found an impressive way to house its feral cats.

1 minute read

February 15, 2013, 2:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Archinect brings us news from the National Register-listed campus in Lakeland, Florida, which has enlisted Mesick Cohen Wilson Baker Architects to devise an elegant solution for housing its 100 feral cats. According to Eric Pera, with The Ledger, the campus is proceeding with plans to construct six "domiciles built mostly of custom-made concrete blocks will provide shelter for almost 100 feral cats living on the Lakeland campus." The designs for the 5 feet high and 3 feet wide structures are "inspired by the famed architect."

"It would be incorrect to call them cat houses, college officials say. The preferred terminology is cat cafe, a place where the wayward felines can kick back for a drink and some chow."

"The cafes, designed by a New York architectural firm that has done renovation work on several Wright buildings at FSC, will double as shelter. The Alpha Chi Omega sorority will supply food and watch over the cats in partnership with SPCA of Florida as part of its commitment to control Polk County's feral cat problem."

Tuesday, February 12, 2013 in Archinect

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.