Viking Construction joined members of the American Legion Veterans Housing, Inc (TALVHI) to commemorate the completion of a new housing project for homeless veterans, located in the Jewitt City section. The event was attended by Rear Adm. Richard Breckenridge, commander of Submarine Group Two, who delivered the keynote speech, as well as U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Viking served as general contractor for the $4.5 million project which consisted of renovating a three-story brick building, and building a new addition to create a 25,000 s/f housing structure. Viking also demolished two existing homes behind the original building to clear space for the new addition.
“This is an inspiring project, one that involved many, many players, and we are so honored to be a part of it,” said Anthony Gaglio, Sr., president of Viking Construction, Inc.
The new housing project includes 18 one-bedroom apartments designed for homeless veterans, men and women who have served our country in various branches of the military. Each fully equipped apartment is approximately 600 square feet and is handicapped accessible. Two first-floor apartments are handicapped-specific, incorporating roll-in showers and other amenities. 
The building also features an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system, handicapped-accessible elevators, a first-floor common room (with kitchen), and basement with an exercise and laundry rooms. There is a dedicated area for counseling and other types of social services. This project, which took 17 months to complete, is now being used as a prototype for rural housing for homeless veterans across the nation. The project was designed by LLR - Lindsay Liebig Roche Architects, Inc., of New London, Conn.
The 18 residents of the new home, who were selected by the Department of Veterans Affairs, began moving into the facility in June.

Anthony Gaglio, Sr., president of Viking Construction, Inc. (pictured second from right), joins members of TALVHI to commemorate the completion of a new housing project. The event was attended by Rear Adm. Richard Breckenridge, commander of Submarine Group Two (center, cutting the ribbon), as well as U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), pictured left of the rear admiral, and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, pictured left of Anthony Gaglio.