SENIOR LIVING: VETERAN GREEN HOMES

May 22

Purpose

Construction of two new 5,000 SF Community Living Centers (Homes 7 and 8) at the Illiana Health Care System in Danville, IL as part of the VA’s “Small House” initiative. Each home is designed to accommodate ten Veterans, expanding assisted living capacity for those who can no longer live independently. Delivered using a design-bid-build approach, the project creates residential-scale environments adjacent to the main VA facility that prioritize dignity, comfort, and community while maintaining full access to medical care and support services. The homes integrate comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, meet VA safety and security standards, and support the initiative’s goal of providing a home-like setting rather than a traditional institutional facility.

Project Challenges

Residential-scale healthcare delivery: Balancing the warmth and familiarity of a home-like environment with the technical requirements of healthcare systems and VA safety protocols required careful coordination and design execution.

Adjacent campus coordination: Constructing two new facilities next to the active main VA campus required coordination with existing infrastructure and ongoing hospital operations.

VA compliance requirements: Meeting stringent VA safety, security, and sustainability standards while maintaining the “Small House” initiative’s residential character required disciplined project planning and execution.

Project OUTCOME

Expanded assisted living capacity: Upon completion, Homes 7 and 8 will provide 20 Veterans with safe, supportive assisted living environments designed around independence, dignity, and community.

Home-like care environments: The new Community Living Centers deliver residential-scale settings that support daily living, family connection, and specialized care in a setting that feels like home.

Regional impact: The project strengthens the Illiana Health Care System’s ability to serve Veterans across the region who require long-term assisted living support.