Rochester residents saw a new milestone for veteran support on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, as the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and homebuilder Lennar broke ground on Veterans Village Rochester. The development will add 10 supportive housing units for veterans who have experienced homelessness, offering a permanent place to live and on‑site services to help them stay housed long‑term.
According to a report by KAAL TV, the project is estimated to cost $2 million and will be located on 504 Fourth Avenue Southeast, on land owned by Olmsted County. MACV’s chief operating officer, Jon Lovald, said the partnership with the county and the city aligned with the organization’s vision to expand veteran housing options in southeast Minnesota. “We saw the need and the demand for some housing here,” Lovald told reporters, adding that veterans from Rochester and nearby smaller towns will benefit from closer access to resources.
Veterans will be the sole eligibility requirement, and MACV staff will work closely with each resident to ensure successful tenancy. The organization will operate an on‑site office to connect residents with VA services, food assistance, mental‑health counseling, and legal help. Lennar will serve as the build partner, while donors have contributed time and materials to keep costs down, according to KIMT.
Housing stability case manager Courtney Hotovec, a former Marine who joined MACV in 2023, highlighted the personal impact of the project. “We sacrificed so much of our lives for the entire country that they shouldn’t have to worry about where they’re going to live,” Hotovec said. She recalled her own challenges after leaving the service and emphasized that the on‑site manager will help veterans navigate resources beyond just a roof over their heads.
Old National Bank sponsored the groundbreaking ceremony, underscoring the collaborative effort among MACV, Lennar, Rochester Area Housing, Olmsted County and the city of Rochester. Construction is expected to begin in late spring, with the build projected to take about six months, according to KAAL TV. Residents can look forward to the new housing becoming operational by late 2026, strengthening the region’s effort to end veteran homelessness across Minnesota’s 87 counties.
What’s next: The groundbreaking marks the start of construction, slated for late spring 2027, with an anticipated six‑month build timeline. MACV will continue accepting donor support and will provide updates on unit availability as the project progresses.
Sources: kaaltv.com, kimt.com, kttc.com
