HOLYOKE, MA — Commodore Builders and Walsh Brothers, Incorporated announced that the Commodore Walsh Holyoke Joint Venture has been selected to oversee planning for the new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The project is intended to replace the current Holyoke Soldiers’ Home with a state-of-the-art, long-term care facility and campus framework for the Commonwealth’s veterans.
The significant joint venture brings together the leadership of veteran-owned Commodore Builders and their track record of serving the state’s community of military service members, and the extensive industry experience of Walsh Brothers, who have constructed, renovated or restored nearly every type of healthcare facility in Massachusetts during their 120 years in business.
“As a veteran-owned firm, we are honored that the Commonwealth chose the Commodore Walsh team to build the new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” said Commodore President and CEO Joe Albanese, a decorated military veteran and retired U.S. Navy Captain. “This project could not be more important to us – and our commitment is to ensure that we respect the legacy of our veterans by providing them with the facilities, services, and amenities that they deserve.”
“Walsh Brothers is thrilled to partner with our colleagues at Commodore Builders to deliver this new state-of-the-art Holyoke Soldiers’ Home facility to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said Richard C. Walsh. President and CEO of Walsh Brothers, Incorporated. “It is an absolute privilege and honor to be part of the team collaborating on this very special building for so many deserving veterans.”
The Commodore Walsh Joint Venture has already delivered historic results after completing The Boulevard, a new high-rise condominium tower on Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway. The complex project combined high-end residential features, the preservation of a 150-year-old Bulfinch façade, and a completely automated garage controlled by robotics, a first-of-its-kind for the city.
Since its inception, Commodore Builders has focused its philanthropic efforts on veteran‐centric organizations and events, and Mr. Albanese takes the duty of providing a worthy and safe home for the Holyoke Soldiers personally. Commodore has supported organizations such as Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, Veterans Inc, Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, and the New England Center and Home for Veterans, where Mr. Albanese was Chairman of the Board of Directors and a Board member for more than 25 years.
Walsh Brothers, a fourth-generation, family-run firm, has worked with over fifty healthcare institutions in Massachusetts including Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and UMass HealthAlliance. Under the leadership of Mr. Walsh, the company has become an expert in occupied buildings and highly sensitive areas, including inpatient and outpatient clinics, emergency trauma units, and long-term care facilities. “At Walsh Brothers, we don’t believe in growth for the sake of growth, but in taking on the most vital projects for the health and wellbeing of our community and creating advanced facilities for those who need it most,” said Mr. Walsh. “We couldn’t be more delighted to bring our client-focused, high-touch healthcare lens to our work with the Holyoke Soldiers Home veterans, families, and staff.”
“This is a project with a huge purpose, as our veterans will have access to a state-of-the-art healthcare environment where they will receive treatment and care with honor and dignity,” said Mr. Albanese. “I can’t imagine a more worthwhile project – the Commodore Walsh team is committed to delivering on behalf of the Commonwealth and all veterans in need.”
