And the award goes to: West LA VA Veteran housing earns engineering honor

They include sparkling new appliances, mounted flat-screen TVs, high ceilings, and expansive windows that take advantage of the cool breezes and abundant sunlight the historic campus is known for.

But there are other aspects which are garnering acclaim, some of which can go unnoticed, but are critical to making the living spaces more comfortable and inviting for Veterans - particularly those with disabilities.

“A lot of it’s (the aspects are) underground, or on paper, but all of it supports homes for those who supported our country,” said Casey Rasile, an associate with engineering firm KPFF, a trusted VA partner that has been instrumental in the redevelopment of the West LA VA Medical Center campus as part of the Master Plan, which provides the framework for creating a fully connected and supportive community of and for Veterans featuring permanent supportive housing and spaces for  Veteran-centric services and community building.

The collaboration between the VA, KPFF and the principal developer, Thomas Safran & Associates, has received the award for Outstanding Urban or Land Development Project of 2023 from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – Metropolitan Los Angeles Branch. Other award-winning projects include significant investments in public works like the K Line light rail extension and Los Angeles’ Sixth Street Viaduct.

Building 207, which provides 59 studio and one-bedroom units for some of the most vulnerable senior Veterans, plus walkable green space, laundry facilities, fitness center, and a spacious landscaped courtyard with an outdoor barbecue area, posed several challenges for engineers and architects tasked with transforming the historic structure.

First, they had to get multiple parties to agree on a defined set of standards and building codes, Rasile said. This required a compromise between VA, the developer, County of Los Angeles, and the California Office of Historic Preservation.

“It was challenging to act and react to the evolving codes and standards,” Rasile said.

But the delicate development dance continues to pay dividends, Rasile said, as other housing projects on campus can now proceed with these new standards in place, which should expedite construction.

Another challenge was the campus’ outdated infrastructure, some of which was at least 80 years old. VA has invested over $140 million on updating sewer and water lines, as well as electrical and telecom systems to better serve this new Veteran community. Roughly $300 million is slated for further enhancements to both the north and south campus here so that healthcare services can continue to be offered at the level Veterans deserve.

The ASCE also recognized KPFF’s work on creating a cost-saving storm water collection system. Once again, the unique and historic nature of the campus called for a new approach for landscaping, leveling the site, and creating ADA-accessible walkways that would retain the look and feel of the campus’ open spaces. Their approach to storm water collection ended up saving the developer money, which was then reinvested into the interior spaces. Amenities include a community room equipped with a modern kitchen and spacious seating areas, computer lab, library, piano, billiard table, and television lounge.

As for those interior spaces, KPFF was able to expose the basement to more natural light.

“We designed these sunken earth areas so that they expose the underground floors, but still manage to direct the rainwater away from the structure and prevent it from flooding,” Rasile said. “Repurposing the basement in such a way allowed the developer to create more apartments, and provide a fitness center, while allowing more sunlight. And, let’s face it, it’s always nicer to have a larger window than not.”

Much care and consideration went into the creation of new Veteran housing at West LA VA, and that dedication to the mission of ending Veteran homelessness continues as more affordable housing is on the way.

“Creating a new community while preserving the historic essence of the West LA VA (Medical Center) campus is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor,” said Homa Shahpasand, healthcare engineer supervisor with the Office of Strategic, Facility & Master Planning.

“However, with the support of great partners who share a deep passion for assisting our Veterans, it becomes an inspiring and meaningful journey,” she added. “The dedication and commitment of these partners are vital in ensuring that the project respects the site's history while providing a supportive and nurturing environment for the Veteran community.”

To view other ASCE award winners, visit https://www.ascemlab.org/awards