Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji, MN
A Groundbreaking Response to Rural Veteran Needs
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs took a community-based approach when developing housing to serve veterans in the regions they call home: Bemidji in the north; Montevideo in the west; and Preston to the southeast. These three projects were all fully occupied within weeks of opening in January 2024, with hundreds more on the waiting list. This unexpected demand highlights both the urgency of rural veteran housing and the success of design rooted in place, purpose, and dignity.
Place-Based Design Grounded in Regional Identity
Each community is designed to celebrate its natural and cultural context through unifying themes: Preston is The House on the Hill; Montevideo is The House on the Prairie; and Bemidji is the House in the Woods. Each identity influences architectural massing, material selection, and interior palettes to create a feeling of authenticity, belonging, and cultural continuity. By anchoring each home in familiar landscapes and local vernacular, the design actively supports emotional well-being and preserves meaningful connections between home and community.
Small House Model for Personalized, Flexible Care
Each home follows the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Small House Model, organized into self-contained households of 18 private rooms with en-suite baths. Preston includes three households for 54 residents while Bemidji and Montevideo each have four households for 72 residents. These households are matched into neighborhoods with shared courtyards and common areas, encouraging deep social connections and autonomy. Universal design ensures adaptability for long-term care, memory support, and rehabilitation.
Community Integration That Transcends Traditional Boundaries
Each site contains a town center featuring amenity spaces for residents and their families to gather and creates opportunities to welcome the surrounding community. They include an entry gallery, multipurpose room, café, theater, therapy space, a barbershop/salon, mediation room, library, lounges, and an administrative suite. At Montevideo, a community building and public park create shared space for residents, schoolchildren, and neighbors – an intentional intergenerational bridge. Therapy and rehab services are also available veterans off campus, strengthening regional care networks.
Architectural and Interior Design with Heart and Purpose
Shifting away from institutional norms, the buildings scale and character are residential. Authentic regional materials such as wood, stone, and brick echo the surrounding landscapes. The interiors feature warm tones, cozy textures and fireplaces to create familiar, comforting settings. Floor-to-ceiling windows in living and dining areas maximize daylight and help residents connect with nature – key strategies in evidence-based design for seniors’ physical and mental health.
A Replicable Model for Veteran Care Nationwide
These three campuses illustrate how intentional planning and human-centered architecture can combat rural isolation, expand access to care, and strengthen family and community ties. By honoring place, embracing innovation, and welcoming the wider community, the Minnesota Veterans Homes establish a new standard for what veterans—and all older adults—deserve in their later years.
