Mt. Vernon Veterans Home

This 200-unit skilled nursing facility for Missouri veterans is a slab-on-grade, single-story, wood-framed facility with brick veneer and stone trim. The building has one central “common area” with four separate but attached “neighborhoods.” Three of these “neighborhoods” are designed for skilled nursing (50 beds each); the fourth is designed for memory care residents (also 50 beds). Common area amenities in the 155,000-square-foot facility include a therapy pool, chapel, and a game room. Each wing has its own landscaped and furnished exterior courtyard (secure at memory care). Access to natural light was a key component in designing the resident wings, and their subsequent resident rooms and commons orientation. Activity and dining areas are located near the central but unobtrusive nurse stations. Their open design allows natural light to spill down the corridors, and in front of resident rooms. Smaller sitting areas are located at the ends of the wings, which provide views to the courtyards and grounds. Resident rooms are spacious with single and double occupancy. The project was commended by both the Governor of Missouri and the Chairman of the Missouri Veterans Commission.