Page 49 - BusinessWest December 8, 2025

“I think it just
came down to
money; other
priorities
probably stepped
in and took
precedence,
so some of the
funding this
building should
have received
went elsewhere.”
residents, and only a few floors are even approaching comple-
tion. But even at this early stage, it’s apparent that the complex
itself is a work of art — one that will integrate the building
with the surrounding landscape — and the structure will be
state-of-the-art.
Indeed, building systems, designed to LEED Gold certifica-
tion, include geothermal heating and cooling and facilities that
are net-zero energy ready, a high-efficiency exterior envelope
with triple-glazed windows, and natural ventilation. The founda-
tion and outdoor retaining wall are made up of Goshen stone.
Amenities include a great room, chapel, memory care floor,
40-person adult day health program, dental suite, salon, hobby
room, four gardens, and a central kitchen.
Overall, said Lazo, the facility, complete with its curved brick
walls, takes the form of three shells that overlap to define three
inpatient neighborhoods, each of which benefits from light and
views. A typical resident floor will be comprised of three ‘hous-
es’ with 12 beds per house, nursing support, and community
spaces, including dining, living, and den. A large garden anchors
the complex, and in between wings are smaller, dedicated
gardens.
For this issue, BusinessWest takes an early look at what will
be one of the biggest stories of 2026, the long-awaited opening
of the Veterans’ Home and the start of a new era of service to those
who have served their country.
Learning Curves
Lazo said he wasn’t around, so he can only speculate and reflect
on what he’s been told over the years.
But he believes that, in the years preceding the COVID tragedy,
the state “simply forgot about” the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke.
One of his predecessors in the director’s role resigned over what
amounted to indifference on the state’s part concerning the facility,
he said, adding that, in the decades preceding the COVID tragedy,
there was little investment in the facility, and little oversight as well
— and it showed, especially in the broad realm of preventive mainte-
nance, or the lack thereof.
Michael Lazo says the new Veterans’ Home at Holyoke
emphasizes the privacy and dignity of residents.
Staff Photo
“I think it just came down to money; other priorities probably
stepped in and took precedence, so some of the funding this build-
ing should have received went elsewhere,” he said, adding, again,
that he was just speculating.
The tragic events in the early days of COVID and the investiga-
tions that followed certainly put the facility front of mind, triggering
significant reforms to the state’s oversight of its veterans’ homes,
he said, adding that what emerged were plans for a new long-term
care facility that would serve more veterans and provide them with
state-of-the-art amenities.
There was some talk of expanding and modernizing the current
Join Our Leapfrog A-Team,
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✔ Holyoke Medical Center.
Holyoke Medical Center earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade
from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit
watchdog focused on patient safety.
“Holyoke Medical Center is proud to achieve an ‘A’ grade,
providing our community with the safe, high quality care they
deserve,” said Spiros Hatiras, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.
“This honor recognizes the dedication of our physicians,
nurses, and all staff for prioritizing patient safety.”
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MONTHLY FEATURE 49
DECEMBER 8, 2025