A New Era of Honor: $500 Million Veterans’ Home Set to Open in Holyoke, Massachusetts
The new Veterans’ Home at Holyoke is poised to welcome its first residents next September, marking a significant step forward in the Commonwealth’s commitment to those who served.
A gleaming $500 million structure overlooking the “Paper City,” the nine-story, Y-shaped building is already capturing the imagination of the region. Highly visible from Interstate 91, the facility represents both a solemn reminder of past tragedy and a beacon of hope for the future of veteran care in Massachusetts.
The design of the new home, inspired by the tricorn hats worn by Revolutionary War soldiers, is more than aesthetic. It’s a deliberate symbol of remembrance for the 76 residents who lost their lives during the devastating COVID-19 outbreak at the existing Soldiers’ Home in early 2020. That crisis, which unfolded as the pandemic took hold, exposed critical failings in oversight and infrastructure, prompting a complete overhaul of the system.
From National Guard Response to Facility Leadership
Michael Lazo, the current executive director of the Veterans’ Home, played a pivotal role in the initial response to the 2020 crisis. Deployed with the National Guard in late March 2020, Lazo recalled the initial shock of entering the facility. “I remember first walking in and not knowing what the heck we were walking into,” he said, describing a deceptively normal atmosphere despite the unfolding tragedy. He arrived just three days after a fateful decision to consolidate two dementia units, a move that accelerated the spread of the virus.
Lazo’s involvement deepened over time, eventually leading to full-time positions as COO and then interim director, and ultimately, the director role appointed by the state. Today, he oversees all operations while simultaneously preparing for the transition to the new facility. A key change reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity: the home will now be known as the Veterans’ Home, recognizing service across all branches of the military, a point of pride for many, as one official joked, “Especially the Marines — they’ve never liked Soldiers’ Home.”
Addressing Past Neglect and Prioritizing Modernization
The construction of the new facility is the culmination of years of advocacy and a reckoning with past shortcomings. According to Lazo, the Soldiers’ Home had been largely “forgotten” by the state in the years leading up to the pandemic. A previous director resigned citing state indifference, and investment and oversight were demonstrably lacking. “I think it just came down to money; other priorities probably stepped in and took precedence, so some of the funding this building should have received went elsewhere,” Lazo explained.
The COVID-19 tragedy served as a catalyst for change, triggering reforms and ultimately, the plan for a state-of-the-art long-term care facility. While initial discussions considered renovating the existing structure, building new proved more practical. The state committed to maintaining the hilltop location, despite the construction challenges it presented. Builders are now working in extremely tight quarters, with one corner of the new home planned to be just 10 feet from the existing building, which will eventually be repurposed for parking and gardens.
A State-of-the-Art Facility Designed for Dignity
The new Veterans’ Home will nearly double the capacity of the current facility, accommodating 234 residents across 212 single-occupancy and 11 double-occupancy bedrooms. The building is designed around three distinct “neighborhoods” – North House, East House, and West House – each offering a unique environment and fostering a sense of community.
The facility boasts a comprehensive range of amenities, including a great room, chapel, dedicated memory care floor, a 40-person adult day health program, a dental suite, salon, hobby room, and four gardens surrounding a central kitchen. The building systems are designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, incorporating geothermal heating and cooling, net-zero energy readiness, a high-efficiency exterior envelope with triple-glazed windows, and natural ventilation. The foundation and retaining walls are constructed from durable Goshen stone.
Lazo emphasized the focus on resident privacy and dignity. “Each veteran has a good-sized room, and there’s plenty of activity space, both on the first floor as well as in each individual unit,” he said. Each floor will feature dedicated activity spaces, ranging from exercise equipment to arts and crafts supplies, encouraging residents to remain active and engaged. The “great room,” equipped with a 90-inch television, will serve as a central gathering space for holidays and events.
A Phased Transition and Long-Term Vision
The transition to the new facility will be a carefully orchestrated, 16-month process. The first 24 residents will move from the fourth floor of the current home to the third floor of the new one next September. Subsequent moves will occur in groups of roughly 20, with memory care residents transferring last, with a goal of full occupancy by February 2027. This phased approach will require staff to manage both facilities simultaneously. Complete project completion, including the demolition of the existing home, is slated for mid-2028.
While the demolition of the current building will be a logistical challenge, Lazo acknowledged the emotional weight of the task, noting that generations of families have lived and died within its walls. However, he expressed optimism that the new home will create its own legacy of care and support for those who have served.
The new Veterans’ Home at Holyoke represents more than just a new building; it embodies a renewed commitment to honoring the sacrifices of veterans and providing them with the dignified, compassionate care they deserve. It’s a testament to the lessons learned from a painful past and a bold step toward a brighter future for those who have served their country.
