A 'Warrior Independence' hub in L.A.

VA's plan for Westside campus shifts away from promised housing

- DOUG SMITH

ALLEN J. SCHABEN Los Angeles Times THE VA plans to renovate two historic buildings on its West Los Angeles campus.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released a document suggesting that the renovation of two shuttered, historic buildings on its West Los Angeles campus will be the first step in a plan to create a Center for Warrior Independence called for in an executive order by President Trump.

A notice inviting potential developers to an "industry day" on the campus Wednesday identifies the "seed" project as the renovation of Building 13 and the adjacent Building 306 into "a vibrant, service-oriented space that honors its historical significance."

It describes an expansive purpose that "provides ease of access to all VA veteran benefits and services, inspires veteran personal wellness and professional development, and provides meeting spaces and food options to the entire Los Angeles Veteran community to gather."

That description represents an apparent shift from plans to convert a portion of Building 13 into veteran housing, a change that would align with VA critics who have advocated for a vibrant town center focused in Building 13 that would be a gathering place for veterans from across the Los Angeles region.