If you’ve traveled along East 38th Street or visited the Erie VA Medical Center recently, you’ve likely noticed the significant construction and expansion project taking place. Erie News Now toured the site to learn more about the improvements and what they will mean for the 22,000 veterans who receive care at the facility.

The $18.4 million project includes the construction of an 11,000-square-foot primary care expansion, which will connect to the original center built in the 1940s. Foundational work is currently underway, and leaders at the medical center are optimistic about the impact the expansion will have on meeting the needs of area veterans.

Ed Jackowski, Associate Acting Director of the Erie VA Medical Center, explained that the expansion provide a total of 37 exam rooms, five of which will be dedicated to the women’s health clinic. Each of these rooms will feature a private bathroom, providing a more private and convenient experience for women veterans.

In addition to the new construction, the project also involves the interior renovation of 9,800 square feet of existing space. Jackowski noted that these updates will make care more accessible by adding additional primary care areas and administrative spaces. The goal is to consolidate as many services as possible to the first floor of the main facility, making it easier for veterans to navigate the building and receive care.

Currently, the construction site is a hub of activity, with crews working on setting steel supports and aligning underground electrical and water systems. As the project progresses, the curved glass wall at the main entrance will be leveled out and replaced with a new atrium entrance extending toward 38th Street. When this phase of construction begins, veterans and visitors will be redirected to a temporary entrance located to the west of the building.

Jackowski acknowledged that the construction is bringing some temporary inconveniences, including adjustments to parking and the relocation of the main entrance. “We’ve lost a lot of parking for this expansion,” he said. However, he emphasized that the short-term disruptions will be worth it in the long run. “Anytime we can improve spaces for our employees, they love it—they can’t wait to get into a new modern space with new equipment. And our veterans, they’re very curious, they like to see what’s going on, they love the fact we’re going to expand to serve them better.”

The shift to a temporary main entrance is not expected to occur until late summer. Despite recent federal budget cuts, Jackowski assured that the project is not at risk. He credited the Erie VA Medical Center’s high trust score from the veterans it serves, noting that the facility is rated number one in the nation.