50-Unit Veterans Affairs Domiciliary Completed in Detroit

Baker Barrios Architects has completed a 32,248-square-foot Veterans Affairs domiciliary and health clinic in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to the clinic, the building includes 50 transitional residential units, a computer lab, therapy rooms, clubhouse, indoor and outdoor multipurpose spaces, and administrative offices. Originally constructed in 2008, the property previously housed the corporate offices for the Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association.

The project is designed to support the mission of the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center by offering a safe home with programming to help male and female veterans establish a path to independent living.

Of the 50 residential units, 10 are secured rooms for female veterans that include access to a females-only lounge and laundry area. The other 40 are for male residents. All residents have access to the computer lab, where computer and job-training programs are available; the multipurpose spaces, where social and recreational programming occurs; a modern health clinic offering behavioral and mental health counseling, rehabilitation treatment and wellness programming; and the dining room, which provides daily meal service for residents and visitors. The common dining room features a large dome atrium, an example of the design elements incorporated throughout the building that maximize natural light, which is beneficial for both resident wellness and energy efficiency.