The $12.1 million project added 12,300 square feet to the facility, plus renovated nearly 4,000 square feet of the existing Community Living Center and provides 11 more single-occupancy rooms for residents.

The change means more of roughly 40 residents will not have to share a room, said John Jamison, assistant public affairs officer at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.

The build also provides a more homelike environment, with more space for dining and recreation, as well as a barber shop and living room area, VA center officials said.

“(The addition) will give eleven veteran residents a new, single room in which to live while receiving care,” said Rebecca Strini, associate medical center director. “There are also four spacious and accommodating hospice rooms with walk-out garden views.”

THE OSCAR G. JOHNSON VA Medical Center recently opened a new addition to its Community Living Center. Cutting the ribbon to open the new space is Daniella Denboer, CLC nurse manager. Looking on are, from left, Dale LaPalm, past commander of the local Military Order of the Purple Heart chapter; Paul Seim, associate chief, inpatient nursing and patient care services; and Mike Seda, engineering technician.

The architect and engineer on the project was Berners-Schober Associates of Green Bay, Wis. General contractor for the build was Direct Steel, LCC of Crystal Lake, Ill.