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State Officials Break Ground For Veterans Home

State officials broke ground this weekend on the $70.5 million Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago. According to a news release, the 200-bed facility will be the fifth veterans’ home in the state and the first in Chicago.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved federal reimbursement for up to 65 percent of the eligible construction costs on the project. This means as much as $45.8 million of the construction cost could be covered by the federal government. 

The five-story home will feature single occupancy rooms with private bathrooms and common areas for dining and meeting with visitors.

Construction will begin by early October.

Units will provide special long-term care for veterans with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Construction is scheduled for completion in mid 2016.

The Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago will be operated by IDVA, which also supervises veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy. When completed and after recognition of the Illinois Veterans Home at Chicago, the Department will be able to receive USDVA per diem payments that will provide over one quarter of the annual operating budget of the home.