American GI Forum's Heroes Lodge

American GI Forum

Caring for service men and women

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The Project

Heroes Lodge Texas is a transformative project located just a few miles south of Austin, encompassing a 134-acre site with the mission of restoring purpose, meaning, and dignity to veterans in need. The project is divided into four primary areas: The Lodge, Memorial Park, Permanent Supportive and Affordable Housing, and The Farm. The Lodge focuses on providing restoration pathways for veterans through engagement and support services, productive living opportunities, and community and independence within living lodges. Memorial Park spans 44 acres and offers trails, fishing ponds, fitness stations, and outdoor classrooms, all within a restored ecological zone. The Permanent Supportive and Affordable Housing area provides 200 homes, along with amenities and community spaces to promote wellness and build a sense of community. The Farm offers various activities such as organic farming, beekeeping, habitat restoration, and outdoor classes, supporting the themes of community and productive living.

The Methodology

The project takes a decentralized approach to program planning, allowing the natural landscape and topography to shape the architectural response. Trauma Informed Design principles guide the planning and building design, considering aspects such as peace of mind, safety, hope, joy, and connection. The design aims to create spaces and buildings that are not only environmentally friendly but also promote well-being for the veterans. The landscaping strategy includes preserving significant acreage as open space/park, restoring native vegetation to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat, and creating a looped trail system for visitors to explore the creek, ponds, and open space. A designated "healing garden" provides a special destination within the larger park, inviting visitors to slow down and appreciate nature.

The Result

Several buildings within the project serve specific purposes. The Intake/Admin building acts as the front door to the project, housing intake and assessment offices, volunteer offices, and a coffee shop. The Social Services building contains a sobriety unit and various housing and support services. The Physical Health and Mental Health Facility offers state-of-the-art clinics and rehabilitation facilities, addressing the individual needs of each veteran. The Cafeteria promotes healthy eating programs and doubles as a space for events and community gatherings. The Conference center features cutting-edge A/V technology and opportunities for engagement. The Training facility provides classrooms and vocational training rooms to help veterans transition their military skills to civilian life. Additional buildings include Maintenance, Chapel, Residential Lodges, Community Buildings, and Residential Programs, all designed to support the well-being and independence of the veterans.

Overall, Heroes Lodge Texas embodies a culture of wellness and restoration, providing a comprehensive and supportive environment for veterans in need. Through thoughtful planning, architecture, and landscaping, the project aims to transform lives, foster community, and promote healing and growth among the veterans it serves.

Client

Heros Lodge Project, Inc. (AGIF)

Location

Austin, Texas

Year Completed

2021- Ongoing

Services

Size

125 Acres

58,708 sf- Service

83,890 sf- Housing

Key Features

Communal Spaces

Transitional Housing Units

"Their design team presented a set of guiding principles that address building a culture of wellness and applying Trauma Informed Design (TID) concepts, which truly resonated with AGIF and our stakeholders. WestEast’s design team listened to our concerns and needs throughout every phase of programming, master planning, and cost estimating."

-Phillip Gutierrez Chairman, Heroes Lodge Program

Additional Experience