Whitmer Touts Grand Rapids Veterans Home Upgrades
The governor visited the $62.9 million Grand Rapids facility ahead of Veterans Day as a third state veterans home takes shape in Marquette Township.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer highlighted the $62.9 million replacement of the Grand Rapids veterans home, which serves 128 veterans in a 153,000-square-foot facility. Construction of a third, $98 million veterans home in Marquette Township is underway.
Why it matters
The Grand Rapids project followed a scathing state audit and a 10-point plan addressing staffing problems and failures to investigate abuse allegations. The state's continued investment in veterans homes reflects efforts to restore confidence in the care provided to Michigan veterans.
The $62.9 million Grand Rapids project was funded by $40.9 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program and $22 million from Michigan. The $98 million Marquette Township home is still under construction, and its opening date was not provided.
The players
Gretchen Whitmer
Gretchen Whitmer is the governor of Michigan, who has prioritized the state's veterans home construction and oversight.
Rick Snyder
Rick Snyder is a former Michigan governor who signed a proposal calling for investment in several new veterans home buildings.
The details
Whitmer spoke with about 50 veterans and staff members during a visit Tuesday. Construction on the Grand Rapids facility began in April 2019 and the new home opened in 2021, while the state acquired 38 acres in Marquette Township in 2024 and broke ground there in May 2025.
Timeline
April 2019: Construction began on the Grand Rapids veterans home.
2021: The new Grand Rapids facility opened.
2024: The state acquired 38 acres in Marquette Township.
May 2025: Groundbreaking occurred on the Marquette Township veterans home.
November 10, 2026: Whitmer visited the Grand Rapids veterans home ahead of Veterans Day.
Military Jobs Context
The state's veterans homes are funded in part through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program, which covered $40.9 million of the Grand Rapids project. Michigan's continued construction of new facilities follows that federal model of shared state and federal investment in veterans care.
Veterans and their families in the Grand Rapids area receive care at the newly replaced 128-bed facility. Residents seeking care at the Marquette Township home will have to wait until its construction is complete.
The takeaway
State investment in veterans homes is continuing with a new facility in Marquette Township, signaling that Michigan is expanding long-term care options for former service members.
Further reading
Explore more Military Jobs coverage for Grand Rapids readers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mlive.
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