Setting New Standards: Building 207’s Impact on Veteran-Centric Housing
By Dolores Quintana
Building 207 at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus is receiving accolades for its outstanding contributions to providing quality housing for senior Veterans, including those with disabilities, as reported by VA.com. The collaborative efforts of the VA, KPFF (an engineering firm), and principal developer Thomas Safran & Associates have earned recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch for the Outstanding Urban or Land Development Project of 2023.
The historic campus, known for its cool breezes and abundant sunlight, now hosts 59 studio and one-bedroom units designed to cater to the needs of vulnerable senior Veterans. These apartments boast modern amenities, including new appliances, flat-screen TVs, high ceilings, and expansive windows.
However, the project’s success also lies in less visible aspects, such as underground infrastructure improvements and adherence to rigorous standards and building codes. Overcoming challenges related to differing standards and codes required negotiations and compromises among various stakeholders, including the VA, the developer, the County of Los Angeles, and the California Office of Historic Preservation.
The renovation of Building 207 faced additional hurdles due to the outdated campus infrastructure, some dating back 80 years. The VA invested over $140 million in upgrading sewer and water lines, electrical systems, and telecom infrastructure to serve the new Veteran community. Further enhancements totaling approximately $300 million are planned for both the north and south campuses to ensure that Veterans receive the healthcare services they deserve.
KPFF’s innovative stormwater collection system, tailored to the unique campus environment, contributed to cost savings. This approach to landscaping and stormwater management not only preserved the campus’s aesthetics but also allowed for reinvestment in interior spaces. Residents now enjoy a range of amenities, including a community room with a modern kitchen, computer lab, library, piano, billiard table, and television lounge.
KPFF’s design also prioritized natural light by exposing basement areas to the sun, creating a more inviting living environment. This repurposing of the basement not only increased the number of apartments but also accommodated a fitness center, enhancing residents’ quality of life.
Homa Shahpasand, healthcare engineer supervisor with the Office of Strategic, Facility & Master Planning, emphasized the importance of great partners who share a deep passion for assisting Veterans. She stated that their dedication and commitment ensure that the project respects the site’s history while providing a supportive and nurturing environment for the Veteran community.
