Public invited to join ceremony for veterans home

POST FALLS — A "Topping Off" ceremony is scheduled 10:30 a.m. Thursday celebrating a milestone for the new Idaho State Veterans Home being built in Post Falls.

Topping off refers to the uppermost steel beam being placed. It signifies that the structure has reached its full height.

The public is invited to join in the celebration at 1180 Clearwater Loop in the Riverbend Commerce Park.

Guest speakers will include Gov. Brad Little, Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson and members of the Jacklin family who donated the land where the veterans home is being built.

The topping out beam will be available to sign and markers will be offered for members of the public to sign and write messages to honor veterans at 10 a.m.

Ground was broken for the 85,000-square-foot project during the final quarter of 2020. The building is on track for completion by the fall of 2022.

This will be Idaho’s fourth state veterans home. There are veterans homes in Lewiston, Boise and Pocatello.

The plan includes one resident neighborhood and a separate community center. Sixty-four “bed neighborhoods” will be divided into four household wings, each with 16 private resident rooms and private bathrooms.

Each wing will have a den, sitting area and living space. There will be two dining areas and kitchens to be shared between the households along with several outdoor patio areas.

Residents will have access to a main community center which will include a chapel, barber and beauty shop, a bistro, an activity center with a multipurpose room, a sports club, a therapy room and gym.

Parking for the ceremony will be available in the ALK Source Materials parking lot and guests are requested to wear masks and practice social distancing.