Case Study

Sallisaw Veterans Home

Creating a home for those who served

The recently built Sallisaw Veterans Home serves as the benchmark for the design and programming of future homes in the United States. Designed to feel more like a home, the new building ensures a seamless transition for veterans, providing opportunities for purpose, engagement, and fulfillment as our nation’s heroes begin this next chapter of their lives.

Creating a Home Fit for Heroes

The home, which spans 213,000 square feet, is situated on 90 acres in the City of Sallisaw, Oklahoma. It was made possible through partnerships with various donors, including the Cherokee Nation, as well as grants from organizations such as the State Homes Construction Grant Program (SHCGP). Designed to accommodate up to 175 veterans, in a hybrid, small house concept, the building features a collection of reception areas, private resident rooms with bathrooms containing showers, a dining room, and multiple shared living areas. Additional amenities including, physical therapy rooms, a pharmacy, hairstyling salon, and barber shop, round out the home’s services. Outside, a greenhouse along with raised flower beds allows residents to garden.

The main areas are open concept, featuring lounge spaces that encourage residents to gather in various ways. Jill Bauman, Lead Dealer Representative, explains, “It was important to ensure the residents felt a sense of purpose. Whether it's building friendships, joining a card club, or playing dominoes, we wanted to create flexible spaces that encourage connection.” Touches like cozy lounge chairs surrounding the fireplace foster a warm atmosphere, while quieter places like the library offer residents a retreat from the activity of the larger living room and community areas.

Veterans have made significant sacrifices serving in the military, and it is crucial to provide them with a beautiful space that honors their service. Furniture that offers the right support while still feeling like home helps veterans to live their best lives. Jill explains, “The veterans will have a range of needs, so we had to ensure that the furniture we provided is not only healthcare-grade but also beautiful and functional — like ensuring tables can accommodate wheelchairs and that chairs have the right arm heights to make it easier to stand.” She continues, “I had a trusted partner in Global to help us specify the right furniture and ensure that everything went smoothly from ordering to installation. I was very happy with how everything turned out.”