SENIOR LIVING: VETERAN GREEN HOMES
CLIENT: Illiana Health Care System
LOCATION: Danville, IL
PROJECT STATUS: In Progress
PURPOSE: The Illiana Health Care System needed to construct two Community Living Centers, Homes 7 & 8, each housing ten patients, as part of the VA Illiana Health Care System's "Small House" initiative. These homes are designed to serve Veterans who can no longer live independently, providing relief and access to top-notch healthcare, plus a close-knit community and support system for Veterans and their families.
Richard's mission is to deliver two 5,000 square foot Community Living Centers adjacent to the main facility through a design-bid-build approach. The goal is to create residential-scale settings that provide Veterans with a home-like environment while ensuring access to comprehensive medical care and support services.
The completed homes will serve Veterans from the region who require assisted living support, offering them dignity, community, and specialized care in an environment that feels more like home than a traditional medical facility.
CHALLENGE:
Residential-Scale Healthcare Integration: Creating Community Living Centers that feel like homes while incorporating all necessary medical support systems and VA safety protocols requires careful balance between residential comfort and healthcare functionality.
VA Safety and Security Compliance: Adhering to all VA safety and security protocols while maintaining the "Small House" initiative's goal of creating warm, residential environments demands innovative design solutions.
Adjacent Construction Coordination: Building two 5,000 square foot facilities adjacent to the main VA facility requires coordination with ongoing hospital operations and existing infrastructure systems.
Sustainable Construction Requirements: Meeting strict VA sustainability standards for waste management and energy-efficient materials while maintaining project timeline and budget parameters.
MEP Systems Integration: Installing comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that serve ten residents per home while integrating with the main facility's infrastructure and emergency systems.
Community-Focused Design: Balancing the need for specialized healthcare capabilities with the initiative's mission to create close-knit community environments for Veterans and their families.
SCOPE & APPROACH:
Dual Community Living Centers: Richard is constructing two identical 5,000 square foot Community Living Centers, each designed to accommodate ten Veterans in residential-scale settings that prioritize comfort and community.
Comprehensive MEP Integration: Installing complete mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems designed specifically for assisted living environments while maintaining connection to main facility support systems.
Sustainable Construction Leadership: Implementing strict waste management protocols and utilizing energy-efficient materials throughout construction to meet VA sustainability requirements.
VA Protocol Compliance: Ensuring all construction and design elements meet rigorous VA safety and security standards while supporting the "Small House" initiative's residential atmosphere goals.
Phased Construction Management: Coordinating construction activities to minimize impact on adjacent main facility operations while maintaining project momentum and quality standards.
Community-Centered Design Implementation: Creating environments that foster close-knit community relationships and provide comprehensive support systems for both Veterans and their families throughout the healing and care process.
