Our Community Living Center Design Approach for James E. Van Zandt VAMC
Introduction
CB Design Group served as the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Prime for the architectural design of a former inpatient ward transforming into a modern, first-class Community Living Center and Inpatient Care Unit at the James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
Project Scope, Goals, and VA-Specific Design Challenges
CB Design Group served as prime and provided full architectural and engineering services on the renovation of 12,082 square feet on the 4th floor of Building No. 1 in Altoona, PA, transforming a former inpatient ward into a modern, first-class Community Living Center (CLC) and inpatient care unit. The redesigned space will include private patient rooms with restrooms, administrative and support areas, and a CLC based on the Small House Design Model to create a comfortable, homelike environment for veterans. The project involves full replacement of interior finishes and building systems—with construction carefully phased to minimize disruption to ongoing patient care. CB Design Group is also providing construction period services to ensure successful implementation.
This project highlights CB Design Group’s expertise in mental health and long-term care environments, particularly in occupied healthcare settings. With extensive experience in similar-scale renovations and the Small House Model, our team is skilled at delivering private, therapeutic spaces that prioritize dignity, comfort, and healing. Our approach to planning, phased execution, and homelike design ensures the highest quality of care for those who have served.
Our Mental Health Design Approach for James E. Van Zandt VAMC
Our team delivered a state-of-the-art design tailored for federal healthcare environments. Key architectural solutions included:
Mental Health Design Features:
- Creation of large group therapy rooms
- Homelike design approach
- Dementia-informed design
- Complies with MHEOCC guidelines
General Design Features:
- Inpatient care rooms with private bedrooms and bathrooms
- Upgrades to:
- Security systems
- HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure
- Fire protection and telecommunications
- Administrative/office/support spaces
- Remove existing and installing new for the following:
- Demising walls
- Ceiling grid/Ceiling panels
- Flooring
We worked closely with the VA to provide a design that reflects the needs of Veterans and VA healthcare providers and staff.
Project Highlights
- Location: Altoona, PA
- Facility Type: Mental Health / Inpatient Clinic / Community Living Center
- Size: 12,082 SF
- Veterans Served: 25,988 veterans/year
- Anticipated Completion Date: 2026 (est)
- Certifications: VA TIL compliance, MHEOCC compliance
Clinical Impact & Veteran Outcomes
✅ Reduction of hospitalizations and also improves outcomes for rehabilitative services
✅ Provides essential long-term care to veterans with serious medical condition
✅ Designed to support suicide prevention and reintegration programs
✅ Creates a safe, welcoming space for veterans in recovery
Why It Matters
At CB Design Group, we bring the discipline and mission-focus of military service into every VA Healthcare project. This Outpatient Mental Health facility reflects our commitment to excellence, veteran care, and national service—beyond the battlefield.
Work with Veteran-Owned Leader in VA Mental Health Architecture
Looking to renovate or expand a federal healthcare facility?
???? Contact us or explore our mental health project portfolio to see how we design for veteran recovery and resilience.