MONTCLAIR, NJ — On any given night in New Jersey, more than 1,100 military veterans experience homelessness, including those in Essex County. A plan to build a new, multi-story housing center for struggling veterans in Montclair is expected to help lighten some of that load.
Developers recently announced plans to transform the American Legion Crawford Crews Post 251 at 210 Bloomfield Avenue into a new housing complex for veterans. The project will include 11 supportive units, along with space dedicated to community engagement, education and other services.
The facility – to be known as the Montclair Veterans Service Center – will also serve aging former military members who are at risk.
The new center will replace the current building, which is “deteriorating” and has fallen into disrepair, developers said.
According to DIGroup Architecture and James L. Evers, RA – which are teaming up to design the center – Crawford Crews Post 251, which was founded in 1935, has long served as a pillar of the Montclair community:
“Named after Crawford Crews – one of four African-American Montclair residents that included Pvt. Alonzo Mills, Corp. Benjamin E. Smith and Corp. Austin Barnes who served with distinction in the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I – the post has donated land for schools, provided emergency shelter during times of crisis, hosted community events and served as a meeting place for African-American veterans, including Tuskegee Airmen.”
Developers noted that before becoming the home of Post 251, the circa-1887 Italian Renaissance-style landmark served the community as Washington Hose Company No. 3 (see photo above).
DIGroup Architecture has plans to preserve the building’s “storied past” by incorporating original elements, such as its signature stonework, into the new design. The building’s legacy will be further honored through detailed documentation and a commemorative plaque on its exterior.
According to developers, the project team has already secured key approvals and partnerships, including historic preservation review, state-level regulatory approvals, supportive services collaboration with Soldier On, guidance from Monarch Housing Associates, support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and pre-development funding from the state of New Jersey.
Project leaders are advancing zoning approvals and housing voucher allocations to begin construction, developers reported in late March.
The Montclair Veterans Service Center is part of a broader statewide effort led by the American Legion to reduce veteran homelessness by rebuilding posts and integrating permanent supportive housing into their mission, developers said.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Montclair, NJ Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.