As the oldest and largest veterans’ home in the country, the Veterans Home of California-Yountville, in Yountville, Calif., is registered as a National Historic District within the Napa Valley area. A 240-bed addition on campus will provide long-term care for senior and disabled veterans, including those with dementia and traumatic brain injuries.

The new building’s composition embraces the historic campus, addresses the site challenges, and builds upon the current architectural character of the site. The campus has rich California imagery with oak trees set on rolling hills. A memorial garden is nestled in this natural setting to honor veterans of generations past. The new five-story facility will replace and combine three existing buildings on nine of the campus’ 615 acres, which overlooks Napa vineyards. The design retained the historic resources of existing buildings on campus and made them integral to this project.

The new 320,000-square-foot Yountville facility, scheduled for completion in December 2023, will be designed to address issues of isolation.

To address the distinct needs of the senior veteran community, the design caters to the needs, abilities, and well-being of older and disabled veterans at the heart of the project. The simple organization of the design was intentional to aid in wayfinding within the facility. The design includes highly visible and distinct courtyards on each side of the building, a centralized elevator bank, views from the elevator lobbies on each floor, and a straightforward path to neighborhoods. A circulation path from the neighborhoods to ground floor dining, gardens, and member services are all thoughtfully designed for simplicity and memorable moments.

The facility offers residents private, single bedrooms designed for care and efficiency, and common areas offer a living room feel with natural lighting and views. Multiple outdoor terraces are also accessible throughout.

 

Project details:

Facility name: Veterans Home of California-Yountville, Skilled Nursing Facility and Memory Care

Location: Yountville, Calif.

Expected completion date: December 2023

Owner: California Department of General Services

Total building area: 320,000 sq. ft.

Total construction cost: $250 million

Cost/sq. ft.: $780

Architecture firm: CannonDesign

Interior design: CannonDesign

General contractor: Rudolph and Sletten

Engineering: Buehler (structural); BKF Engineers (civil); Peterson Mechanical (mechanical/plumbing); Silverman & Light (electrical)