Leo A Daly designs mental health clinic for veterans in Tampa

Leo A Daly has completed the design for a new mental health clinic for veterans in Tampa, Fla.

The 144,000-sf clinic will combine three existing VA services currently being offered on and off the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital’s main campus. The project will consolidate an existing rehab and recovery center, a 60-bed inpatient domiciliary, and a residential treatment program for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, integrating every mental health service the agency offers into a single, veteran-focused resource.

The project’s design was inspired by direct input from veterans and clinicians. It takes into account the unique experiences of veterans and translates them into an environment tailored to their needs. The deign emphasizes spaces for gathering and sharing, enabling veterans to build and strengthen the common bond of service that is central to veteran identity. The dimensions, orientation, and interiors of every space are designed with trauma-informed principals in mind, reinforcing a sense of personal choice, safety, and space.

The design engages with nature via gardens and walking paths for veterans to enjoy. Indirect access to nature is provided through ample windows and clerestories, which provide natural light, views, and ease of wayfinding to reduce stress.

Sustainability features include low-wattage LED lighting, automatic lighting controls, a high-performance building envelope, water use reduction, reduced emissions, recycled materials, automated controls, and ecological landscaping.

Construction for the $91 million U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ facility will being in early 2022. It is expected to take 18 months to complete. Cullinan Properties is the developer with Hoar Construction providing general contractor services. Prosser is the civil engineer.