ATLANTA—LEO A DALY, in partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, announced the progression of two innovative housing projects for veterans in Florida and Georgia. These projects are part of a broader initiative to provide veterans with dignified, permanent housing solutions coupled with comprehensive supportive services.
In Florida, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has secured an 8.7-acre land donation from Manatee County in Bradenton. Plans for this site include the construction of 38 comfort homes centered around an 84-unit apartment complex, which will be complemented by a comprehensive supportive service center. Construction is poised to begin in spring 2024.
Simultaneously, in Georgia, efforts are underway to transform a 101-room hotel into permanent housing, providing hundreds of veterans with not only a place to call home but also access to vital support services. This full-scale conversion is expected to be completed by fall 2024.
Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with LEO A DALY, stating, “Together, we are not just building homes; we are crafting communities of hope and healing for our veterans. Our collaboration with LEO A DALY enables us to further our mission with innovative designs that honor the dignity of those who served. These projects in Florida and Georgia represent just the beginning of our nationwide commitment to ensure no veteran is left without a home.”
Shared Commitment to Eradicating Veteran Homelessness
The partnership with LEO A DALY extends beyond these projects, with the firm providing expertise in site evaluation, zoning reviews, capacity studies, and design services. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness and creating environments that promote healing and well-being.
Mike Rodebaugh, AIA, of LEO A DALY, highlighted the synergy between the two organizations: “Working alongside the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, we’re inspired to apply our human-centered design process towards a mission that resonates deeply with our values. Our goal is to empower veterans through architecture that reflects respect, dignity, and care.”
Additionally, LEO A DALY recently completed the design of the Temple Terrace VA Clinic and Domiciliary in Tampa, Fla. This VA facility is pioneering in its approach, offering nearly every mental health service provided by the VA in one location, including care for homeless veterans, PTSD treatment, suicide prevention, substance abuse treatment, and an inpatient program.
