St. Paul, Minn. – The Minneapolis Veterans Home today celebrated the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art nursing care facility, Building 22. The new facility incorporates the industry standard of Resident-centered care with private rooms and bathrooms and community gathering spaces. Completion of Building 22 marks the end of a three-phase construction project, eight years in the making. The new building will be home to 100 Residents beginning the week of March 26.

“Minnesota Veterans put their lives on hold to answer the nation’s call. They have made great sacrifices and risked their lives to protect our freedoms,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “This new nursing center will help ensure Minnesota Veterans receive the care they need and deserve. I join all Minnesotans in expressing my gratitude and thanks for their service on behalf of all of us.”

State leaders, Residents, staff, community members, and Veterans Service Organizations came together to celebrate this milestone in honoring and serving Minnesota Veterans. 

“Veterans and Residents will now live in a community they can call home that provides the highest quality of life and care they deserve.  I am very proud we are able to provide this new residential and care option for our heroes living at the Minneapolis Veterans Home,” said Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Shellito.

Partners in this project included JE Dunn Construction, Nelson-Tremain Partnership, the Governor’s Office, the Minnesota State Legislature, the Minnesota Department of Administration, Minnesota Management and Budget, Minnesota IT Services, and multiple federal partners. 

With five levels, 100 spacious private rooms with bath, Building 22 encompasses just over 136,000 square feet, offering Residents a home-like environment. The community-based design aligns with the Minnesota Veterans Home's commitment to Resident centered care by providing cozy, neighborhood style dining and gathering spaces. The new residential building also provides common spaces for connecting, visiting and various activities. Additional highlights include Resident great rooms, balconies, gardens, a courtyard, a putting green and a walking path. 

Highlights about the new nursing care facility project include: 

• 100 private rooms for Residents
• 60 different companies participated in the efforts on site
• 751 women and men builders and workers
• 130,000 bricks were laid 
• 4,200 cubic yards of concrete was used - enough to fill 46 standard backyard pools 
• 514,000 pounds of rebar was installed, which is the equivalent weight of 19 dump trucks