HOLYOKE – The state announced it has hired a Boston-based architecture firm to conduct a fast-tracked assessment that will be the first step in renovating or expanding the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
Payette, of Boston has been awarded a contract for the first phase of what is being called the “expedited capital project to reimagine the future of the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.” The firm was given 12 weeks to complete a needs assessment and meet with stakeholders to discuss the improvements, according to a statement from Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
The company has been charged with identifying a “sustainable, public health-centered, implementation roadmap to provide significant upgrades to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home,” the statement said.
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State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, who has been a strong veterans advocate, applauded the decision to move forward with the plans and said he supported the idea of hiring Payette because of the firm’s experience with the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
“We need to make sure that there are appropriate infection control strategies in place for the rest of this pandemic,” he said. “We also need to make sure there are enough beds, resources and accomodations for the growing veteran population that will rely on the home years down the road.”
He called for the study to also look at what will be the needs of future generations of veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“In order for the home to be sustainable for years to come, the needs assessment has to be wide-ranging and comprehensive so that our veterans get the quality of care they deserve,” Velis said.