Defenders Lodge P3 exterior

Defenders Lodge

A free and welcoming place for wounded veterans to recover in Palo Alto, CA

The Defenders Lodge is a complimentary and welcoming place to stay for wounded veterans while they receive outpatient treatment at the neighboring Palo Alto Veterans Hospital. Each year, more than 63,000 veterans and active duty service members seek medical treatment at the VA hospital here, many of whom are unable to afford the high cost of overnight accommodations. In addition to 52 rooms serving up to 104 veterans, Defenders Lodge features a dining facility, plus reading and activity rooms.

Gallery

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Defenders Lodge P3 exterior
Defenders Lodge P3 lobby
Defenders Lodge P3 dining
Defenders Lodge P3 lounge
Defenders Lodge P3 lounge 2
Defenders Lodge P3 bed
Defenders Lodge P3 conference

Project Overview

  • State-of-the-art, $17 million 104-bed free hotel for veterans on the campus of the Palo Alto Veterans Administration Hospital
  • Delivered through a public-private partnership (P3) with the Department of Veterans Affairs
  • LEED® Gold Certified 
  • Project included partnering with the PenFed Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the unmet needs of our nation’s defenders

“Words don’t even come close to expressing my sincere appreciation to the entire Gilbane team for bringing Defenders Lodge to life. Your firm’s commitment to excellence and absolute focus and dedication to executing this project was inspiring. I still remember that first day when we met in the parking lot in Palo Alto to discuss the vision. From concept to delivered lodge, may it be said, ‘Well done.’ Our Veterans, along with the entire PenFed family thank you.”

James Schenck
President and CEO
Pentagon Federal Credit Union

Quick Stats

  • Location: Palo Alto, CA
  • Market: Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
  • Size: 34,000 SF
  • Units: 52
  • Date Completed: January 2014
  • Awards:
    • US Green Building Council LEED Certified® / LEED Gold®

34,000

square feet

52

units

63,000

veterans served each year

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