‘I love this place’: Old Main’s rebirth marks five-year anniversary

By David Walter, Public Affairs Specialist

March 24, 2026

Five years ago, U.S. Navy Veteran Chris was living in a dicey apartment in a building infested with bugs and rats and beset by drug users.

So when his VA caseworker told him about the opening of the Milwaukee Soldiers Home on the Milwaukee VA grounds, he decided to move into the historic structure known to many as Old Main.

It was a move he doesn’t regret. 

“I love this place,” he said from his apartment on the first floor. “I don’t think I’m going anywhere else.”

Chris, who asked that his last name not be used, spent years struggling with homelessness and alcoholism before getting connected with the Milwaukee VA. He’s been sober for nearly five years and said he values his home.

“This has got to be one of the best places for Veterans,” he said. “I’ve never lived in anything new in my life. I came from the projects. When I came here, it was like, ‘Wow!’ I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to mess this up.’ 

“This is where I want to be. It’s peaceful. It’s quiet. It’s nice. I don’t want to get into any trouble. I enjoy where I’m at.”