$107M makeover going forward

PERKINS TWP. — State officials gave the go-ahead for the Sandusky-area Ohio Veterans Home to pursue a major makeover, which totals $107 million. The work centers on, first and foremost, benefiting residents — or Ohioans who served in the military, including during conflicts and in wars. "This massive on-campus renovation will greatly improve our facilities and living conditions for our veterans," said Jeff Rapp, a spokesman with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, which oversees the Ohio Veterans Home. "It's exciting times for the Ohio Department of Veterans Services," added Rapp, extending his appreciation to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and other politicians for their support in this project. The state's budget shows an earmark to fund roughly $37 million, translating to about 35% of overall project costs. The balance, about $70 million, should come from federal Veterans Affairs grants. Rapp provided some additional details about what's to come: • The project: "Our aim is to provide both facilities (in Sandusky and in Georgetown, near Cincinnati) with single-occupancy rooms, which is important not only for infection control but also for the dignity of the residents. This effort will require an addition to the current structure at both homes, and residents can remain in their living quarters as construction evolves. (It) will bring forward state-of-the-art facilities at both the Sandusky and Georgetown homes." • The purpose: "This is a step forward in the level of care that we've been able to provide at the Ohio Veterans Homes, and we're excited to be providing that opportunity. This goal is consistent with the goals of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans homes." Note: Right now, there are 427 beds at the Ohio Veterans Home. The plan is to, at least, maintain this number of beds but just create additional rooms. "Right now, the plan is to modernize the facility so that we can get to single occupancy throughout nursing home care areas," Rapp said. "This project will allow us to do that, but we don't anticipate it will raise the number of beds. This will require some formidable buildout as well to create more space." • The timeline: All work should wrap up by late 2027.