“Support the troops” is a phrase Americans hear often but too rarely do we stop to ask what truly supporting our veterans actually looks like. Real support isn’t just a slogan or a social media post. It’s the hard, unglamorous, boots-on-the-ground work of removing barriers, navigating bureaucracy, and building solutions that change lives.
The Denver Veterans Village, led by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in partnership with Global Construction, is a powerful example of what it means to turn words into action.
This project, now officially underway, will transform a former Denver hotel into more than 100 single-occupancy studio apartments for homeless U.S. veterans. However, getting to this point required overcoming a long list of hurdles that most people never see.
From zoning challenges to NIMBYism to complex adaptive reuse construction requirements, every stage of this development has demanded persistence, collaboration, and a commitment to the mission of honoring those who served.
Overcoming Zoning and Regulatory Barriers
One of the first hurdles in bringing the Denver Veterans Village to life involved navigating the city’s zoning laws. Converting a former hotel into affordable housing for veterans requires approvals, variances, safety reviews, and compliance with updated occupancy and accessibility standards.
These processes are often time-consuming, layered with regulations that must be carefully addressed before any construction can begin.
In projects like this, the approval process is more than paperwork, it’s a test of perseverance. Many organizations shy away from such complexities, but the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has a long track record of tackling ambitious, mission-driven developments.
Their persistence ensured that zoning requirements did not become roadblocks but rather milestones on the path toward creating a stable, supportive environment for Denver’s veterans.
Addressing NIMBYism and Securing Community Support
Another major challenge was community resistance. Despite widespread public support for veterans, many projects aimed at helping homeless individuals face local pushback. The “Not In My Backyard” mindset can stall or even stop housing developments before they begin, even when the project is designed to serve veterans who have risked their lives for the country.
The Tunnel to Towers team worked hand in hand with local stakeholders to educate the community about the purpose of the project, the stringent safety measures in place, and the positive long-term impact the Denver Veterans Village will have on the neighborhood. This effort was essential in shifting perspectives from fear to understanding and ultimately to support.
Global Construction joined these conversations early, demonstrating how professional, well-managed renovations can enhance neighborhoods rather than disrupt them. With a reputation for excellence in adaptive reuse and occupied renovation projects, Global Construction helped reassure residents that the construction process would be safe, efficient, and respectful of the surrounding community.
Turning a Hotel Into Homes
Once approvals were secured, the real physical work began and this undertaking is no small feat. Converting a hotel into affordable single-occupancy apartments suitable for long-term housing requires extensive structural upgrades, system overhauls, and redesigns.
Each unit isn’t just a room, it must become a fully functional studio apartment with its own living space, kitchenette, bathroom, and modernized utilities. That means:
- Demolition and reconstruction to reconfigure outdated layouts
- Significant plumbing and electrical upgrades to meet residential building codes
- New fire safety systems to ensure the building meets current standards
- Accessibility improvements to accommodate veterans with mobility challenges
- Full code compliance for residential occupancy rather than hospitality use
These types of projects demand precision, coordination, and experience, skills that Global Construction has spent years refining.
As a leader in adaptive reuse, multifamily renovations, and mission-driven development, Global Construction is uniquely equipped to handle projects that combine technical complexity with community impact.
More Than Housing: Supportive Services That Change Lives
While the physical transformation of the building is significant, the Denver Veterans Village is far more than a construction project. Once complete, the property will offer comprehensive on-site support services designed to address the root causes of veteran homelessness.
Veterans will have access to:
- Job training and workforce development
- Education and benefits assistance
- Mental health care and PTSD counseling
- Medical care access
- Addiction treatment and recovery programs
These services reflect the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s mission of providing not just shelter, but hope, stability, and a pathway toward independence.
This holistic approach is what sets the Denver Veterans Village apart. It’s not simply affordable housing, but a long-term solution that empowers veterans to rebuild their lives.
Why Global Construction Is Committed to This Work
For Global Construction, being part of this project is a profound honor. Our team specializes in complex, mission-focused developments, but the Denver Veterans Village carries particular meaning, especially because our superintendent leading this project is a veteran himself.
Serving fellow veterans through his craft brings a personal level of dedication that resonates throughout the entire team.
This project reflects the best of what construction can be: not just building structures, but building opportunity, dignity, and community.
It’s the type of work that reminds us why we do what we do.
Monthly Project Updates Coming Soon
With the Denver Veterans Village now underway, Global Construction will be sharing monthly project updates to highlight progress, celebrate milestones, and shed light on the challenges overcome along the way.
These updates will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to bring a project of this scale to life and how the combined efforts of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Global Construction, and the Denver community are creating a brighter future for more than 100 U.S. veterans.
Real support is built through action, persistence, and collaboration. The Denver Veterans Village stands as a testament to that commitment and we’re proud to help bring it to life.
