Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant

This senior living campus expansion fulfills the original master plan established when the Life Plan Community opened in 2014.

The initial community development established a framework for future growth, reserving space for expanded independent living, enhanced healthcare, and new community amenities. Nearly a decade later, the 192,000 SF expansion strengthens the continuum of care while enriching everyday life.

Designed to meet growing demand, Phase 2 adds 43 independent living apartments, introduces a dedicated memory support neighborhood, expands healthcare and introduces a new Performing Arts Center/Chapel.

Project Highlights

Client:
Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland

Location:
Ellicott City, MD

Services:
Master Planning

Architecture

Interior Design

Type:
Senior Living Campus Expansion

Chapel / Performing Arts

Memory Care

Flexible Gathering Space

Performing Arts Center / Chapel

At the center of the expansion is a 17,000 SF Performing Arts Center/Chapel designed to serve as the social, cultural, and spiritual heart of the campus. The venue can seat up to 270 people and hosts community concerts, worship services, and meetings, while also serving as a banquet space for up to 190 guests.

Flexible seating, integrated audiovisual capabilities and hearing assistance technologies, along with adjacent gathering areas allow the venue to adapt to varying needs and programming while providing a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Aerial view of the Performing Arts Center/Chapel at Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant, highlighting landscaped gardens, outdoor gathering spaces, and surrounding independent living residences.

Combination Performing Arts Center and chapel with rows of chairs vaulted wood ceiling — The Performing Arts Center/Chapel serves as a flexible gathering place for worship, performances, celebrations, and community events.

Darkened theater with tiered seating and black and white movie on screen — It also includes a 34-seat tiered movie theater and a team member breakroom featuring arcade games and a foosball table.

Exterior view of the Performing Arts Center and Chapel at Lutheran Village at Miller's Grant, with landscaped entrance, parking area, and adjacent independent living apartments. — Located between the Phase One and Phase Two apartments, the Performing Arts Center/Chapel serves as the community's activity hub. The distinctive red accents on the facade reference the red doors traditionally found on many Lutheran churches.

Four-story independent living apartment buildings surrounding landscaped walking paths, open green space, and resident parking.

Thoughtfully designed to feel like an original part of the campus, the new apartment building preserves the welcoming residential character that defines the community.

Meeting Market Demand

Senior Living Housing Expansion

The phase two expansion adds 43 contemporary independent living apartment residences.

The open floor plans are designed to support an active lifestyle. The expansion also introduced a gastro pub with indoor and outdoor dining, creating a casual destination where residents can gather throughout the day for meals, conversation, and social events.

Bird's eye view of walking look in courtyard for memory care residence

Strengthening the Continuum of Care

Health Center Expansion

Phase 2 added a few more skilled nursing and assisted living rooms, and also introduced a dedicated memory support neighborhood.

Designed to promote comfort, dignity, and meaningful engagement, the new neighborhood offers a residential setting with thoughtfully planned living spaces, abundant natural light, and direct access to secure outdoor gardens and walking paths. Together, these additions allow the community to support residents’ changing needs while enabling them to remain connected to the campus they call home.

Living room with fireplace surrounded by bookshelves with red accents — The expanded care residences include generously-sized social spaces for planned activities and casual interactions.

Dining area with wood ceiling and tables in front of a window wall — The kitchen and dining space have direct access to the courtyard allowing dining and special occasions like an ice cream party to easily spill outdoors.

Corridor for memory care residences with different color accents outside doorways to help with wayfinding — Distinctive colors and personalized photo screens provide familiar landmarks that support intuitive wayfinding.

Memory support activity room with movable tables, abundant natural light, and built-in storage for games, puzzles, and creative activities. — Designed for flexibility, the activity room accommodates a variety of programs while encouraging everyday interaction and engagement.

Biophilic Connections

Extending Life Outdoors

Outdoor spaces were designed as natural extensions of the buildings, creating opportunities for gathering, relaxation, and recreation. A welcoming terrace adjacent to the Performing Arts Center provides space for pre- and post-event receptions, while the apartment building patio features outdoor dining, fire pits, gardens, and an outdoor kitchen.

A rooftop terrace takes advantage of the campus’s hilltop setting, offering residents elevated views and another destination for informal gatherings. Within the memory care neighborhood, covered porches and a secure courtyard with walking paths and raised gardens encourage residents to spend time outdoors in a comfortable, supportive environment.