For 91 years, Crawford Crews American Legion Post 251 in Montclair has provided a meeting place for African-American veterans and given back to the community, embodying their motto, “Where Service Still Lives.” Now, DIGroup Architecture (DIG) and James L. Evers, RA (JLE), are teaming up to transform the post into the Montclair Veterans Service Center. The new facility will offer housing and support for at-risk, aging, and homeless veterans.
The new Montclair Veterans Service Center is part of a statewide effort spearheaded by the American Legion to combat veteran homelessness by redeveloping posts and building supportive housing. The new building will replace the existing structure at 210 Bloomfield Avenue with a modern building that provides 11 supportive units as well as spaces for veteran services and community engagement.
“Through DIG’s Architecture for Change lens, we are evolving the traditional American Legion model into a forward-thinking sanctuary,” noted DIG’s Principal Scott Hoffman, “By integrating high-quality supportive housing units with dedicated resource spaces, we are creating a holistic environment that honors the service of our veterans while providing the modern tools they need for a successful post-service transition.”
Crawford Crews Post 251 opened in Montclair in 1935. It was named in honor of Crawford Crews, an African-American Montclair resident who served with distinction in the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I. The historic American Legion post has served as a meeting place for African-American vets, including Tuskegee Airmen, and engaged in many philanthropic efforts over the years.
The Italian Renaissance-style building was first constructed in the late 1880s and housed the Washington Hose Company No. 3. Many of the structure’s original architectural elements will be incorporated into the new design. The team has obtained key approvals and secured support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as pre-development funding from the State of New Jersey. They are currently moving forward with zoning approvals and housing voucher allocations to begin construction.
“This project and others we are advancing with American Legions in New Jersey stand as a model for design-driven social impact,” commented Project Liaison James Evers. “Our team of architects and designers is deeply moved by the legacy of the Harlem Hellfighters and the Tuskegee Airmen. It is a profound honor to design a safe haven that pays tribute to their ‘unsung’ heroism and serves all service members – past, present, and future.”
