Supportive housing for veterans exiting homelessness

Drexel House II Veterans Housing | Olympia, WA

Drexel House II offers 50 low-income studio apartments, along with common areas and outdoor space, to veterans and other individuals coming out of homelessness at Catholic Community Services’ Drexel House campus in Olympia.

The apartments include as many windows as possible – at least two per unit – as well as ceiling fans, responding to veterans’ requests for maximum light, air, and ventilation. Common areas incorporate very wide corridors and emphasize lines of sight so residents always have views in and out of rooms. Case management rooms feature views to the hallway as well as to the outdoors.

Outdoor spaces include a dog run, to accommodate veterans’ service animals; and a loop walking path around the entire campus, including a pedestrian bridge across a central pond, to offer opportunities for exercise and fresh air. Residents also have access to a garden space, a large covered patio, and a lawn for recreational activities. The street frontage features a series of flagpoles for each of the five Armed Services branches.

 
  • Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

    Catholic Housing Services

  • Architectural Design

  • 29,439 SF

  • 2017


The team at EW was a joy to work with. They were respectful of our needs, supportive of our ambitious goals and patient in guiding us through two complex projects. They have the ability to bring together talented teams who can work effectively to create vibrant facilities that serve the needs of a diverse community.
— Mark Okazaki Executive Director, Neighborhood House (Rainier Vista and High Point Centers)