The first phase of construction for the newest Arizona State Veteran Home is underway in Flagstaff. Last weekend, the groundbreaking ceremony occurred for the new veterans’ home that will sit on 10 acres. The land was donated by the city.

According to the ADVS press release, 39% of the veterans who live in the surrounding counties are 65 years old or older. The facility, which has the capacity to house 80 individuals, is divided into three 20-bed sections and a memory care unit. Rooms will be furnished and private, and there’ll be professionally trained nursing staff — whose skills range from respiratory therapy, rehabilitative work, therapeutic recreation and exercise classes, and occupational and speech therapies.

Other amenities included are: laundry services, a meditation room, a gift shop, and a hair salon.

The ADVS currently operates two veterans homes. One in Phoenix with 200 beds, and one in Tucson with 120 beds.

The department also has plans to build a facility in Yuma, and the groundbreaking ceremony is set for June 22.

The state legislature budgeted $27 million for the Yuma and Flagstaff facilities, and the federal government is footing the majority of the bill for construction costs.

The facility in Flagstaff is scheduled to open summer 2021.