The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Heartland Network and Eastern Kansas Health Care System have developed a unique Enhanced Use Leasing (EUL) project at the Leavenworth, KS, campus that will rehabilitate thirty-seven, 1800’s vintage historic buildings through leasing underutilized assets for up to 75 years.
This mixed-use redevelopment avoids the demolition of one of the ten most endangered sites in the nation, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The Leavenworth campus was constructed in 1885 following the Civil War as the Western Branch of the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The campus included barracks, mess hall, staff housing, chapel, library, hospital, amusement halls, shops, laundry, stable, greenhouses, and other facilities. The campus was designated on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
The success of this project is attributed to financial viability accomplished through the mixed adaptive re-use, which includes an assisted living facility, housing, small business offices, artistic venues, academic classrooms and homeless veterans transitional housing. A private developer has invested $70 million towards the project, which also includes an expansion of the Leavenworth National Cemetery. As a result of this initiative, the VA will achieve a cost savings of $800,000 per year for maintenance of vacant buildings and land.
For more information, contact Mr. Carlos R. Escobar at (816) 701-3026 or via e-mail at carlos.escobar@med.va.gov
