PROVIDENC, RI–Gilbane Building Company joined Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, state and local officials, Rhode Island veterans and community members, to celebrate the completion of the Rhode Island Veterans Home, and officially welcome veterans to their new home on Veterans Day.
The veterans had previously lived at a home dating back to 1955 on the same 110-acre site in Bristol. The new 208-bed, 260,000 sf-plus home was designed by Brewster Thorton Group Architects of Rhode Island and SFCS of Virgina and encourages mobility, activity and socialization. Residents now live in cottages equipped with a private living space including bedroom and personal bathroom.
Designed and built to retain a residential feel, the new Veterans Home contains six distinct “neighborhoods” containing two cottages that house 16 residents in each. Each neighborhood has a private family dining room and living space featuring a fireplace and comfortable atmosphere that offers families an opportunity to visit, socialize and dine with guests. The Commons building offers residents access to a bistro, arts and activities center, a beauty/barber shop, a pharmacy, medical services, a chapel, library and café dining. Additionally, physical and occupational therapy, and adaptive sports are available in the fitness/activity area.
“The Gilbane team worked together seamlessly to manage the change process, schedule, budget, safety, security and trade contractor performance, meeting all of our project goals. One of the unique and important opportunities the Gilbane team provided during the project was to encourage the participation of our residents and staff. Whether it was during the quality mock-up process to verify quality, functionality, or aesthetics to resident rooms, or sharing detailed communication on project progress with resident veterans who were both curious and interested (many with technical backgrounds I should add), this involvement resulted in our staff and residents feeling both connected and invested in their new home before, during and after completion,” said Kasim J. Yarn, Director, Office of Veterans Affairs, State of Rhode Island.
He added, “We know this will translate into a very high level of satisfaction by both staff and resident veterans for years to come.”
