Semper Fi

Purple Heart Garage

Kyle Anderson, a Purple Heart recipient and former Lance Corporal of the 35th Battalion, was severely injured by an IED during Operation Iraqi Freedom and has since faced mobility challenges. Seeking a safe, accessible space to gather with friends, care for his pets, and store his UTV, Kyle struggled for years with funding and unhelpful contractors until Great Northern Builders (GNB), a VA-recognized builder, took on the project. GNB secured $102,000 in VA grant funding and raised over $40,000 in additional donations from vendors, subcontractors, and the community. The new addition features combat-inspired epoxy floors, reclaimed wood accents, a custom bar, Marine memorabilia, and accessible design elements, seamlessly integrated with Kyle’s home to provide safety, comfort, and a place to connect with fellow Marines.

This project was featured on KARE 11 News: Friends surprise disabled veteran with customized man cave

Project Timeline: 4 months

Project Obstacles

Kyle’s project faced a number of obstacles, beginning with years of unsuccessful attempts to secure funding and repeated setbacks from misleading contractors that failed to meet his accessibility needs. The $161,000 project required extensive coordination with the VA, which initially approved only partial funding, leaving a major financial gap. Great Northern Builders navigated strict municipal approvals, worked closely with architects and designers, and mobilized over $40,000 in donated labor, materials, and community support to bring the vision to life. The final challenge was integrating the new structure seamlessly with Kyle’s home while ensuring safety, accessibility, and durability.