EAW released for MN Department of Veterans Affairs campus in Hastings

A planned $221 million overhaul of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs’ campus in Hastings is up for environmental review.

An Environmental Assessment Worksheet released Tuesday reveals that the project includes construction of a new facility with 145 resident rooms and support spaces, and demolition of five existing buildings.

As part of the project, crews would decommission a water tower and renovate a power plant known as Building 30, according to the EAW. If funding allows, the project could also include geothermal and solar energy systems.

Construction is expected to last 30 months, but the start date is “dependent on project funding,” according to the EAW.

Rock Leaf Water Environmental of Fridley completed the EAW for the Minnesota Department of Administration. The EAW, which includes a 30-day public comment period, looks at potential project impacts on everything from greenhouse gas emissions to historic properties.

The project has been in the works for a while. Finance & Commerce reported in August 2023 that the project would address a wide range of needs on the campus, which overlooks the Vermillion River at 1200 18th St. E. in Hastings.

Six of the 20 buildings are beyond their useful life and deferred maintenance needs top $24 million, Finance & Commerce reported at the time. Many of the occupant rooms are double occupancy.

A project narrative reveals that the new building will offer “a living environment for the veterans that provides stability, encourages meaning and supports their physical well-being and mental health.”

In April 2021, Wold Architects completed a 25-year master plan and assessment of the campus buildings. The plan recommends construction of a new building to accommodate housing and services.

The Wold report notes that the campus was built in 1902 as a state hospital for 1,100 patients. Additional buildings were added between 1911 and 1952. In 1978, the state converted the campus to its current use.

Describing issues ranging from water infiltration and temperature control problems to a need for door and window replacements, the 756-page report concludes it would not be “a good use of funds” to upgrade and renovate the buildings.

“Significant updates are needed in every building and aspect of the campus,” the report says.

RELATED: $221M overhaul planned for Hastings veterans campus

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