Trumbull County Veterans Services Commission Building Warren, Ohio
In response to a growing demand for services and limited workspace, the Trumbull County Veterans Services Commission, in partnership with Phillips Sekanick Architects and the Trumbull County Commissioners, developed a new Veterans Resource Center in downtown Warren, Ohio. Designed to provide both public-facing and private support spaces, the new facility is purpose-built to meet the daily needs of the county’s veterans while offering a dignified, efficient environment for staff and visitors alike. Located on an infill site in the city’s urban core, the project reflects a commitment to healing not only for those it serves but also for the surrounding neighborhood by restoring a long-vacant lot to productive use.
The site presented significant challenges, including poor soil conditions from the remnants of demolished commercial structures and a sharp grade change at the front of the parcel. With careful planning and resource-conscious design, the team addressed these constraints through over-excavation and site reconditioning. The building entry was stepped and elevated to accommodate both the site’s natural topography and the need for full accessibility, integrating a ramped approach within a civic plaza. This forecourt features flagpoles, sunscreens, and commemorative plaques recognizing all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—creating a powerful and respectful entry experience.
Despite a constrained budget, thoughtful material selections and efficient design solutions allowed the project to deliver both function and honor to those it serves.
