Luthercare to buy 37 homes for independent living across its 2 Lancaster County campuses

In a $26 million project, senior living community Luthercare will purchase 37 homes for independent living and will renovate dining areas, common areas and a fitness center across its two Lancaster County campuses.

The homes, which are under construction now and expected to be done in 2026, are located in the Lititz Reserve neighborhood about a mile by road from Luthercare’s Luther Acres campus at 600 East Main St., Lititz. The homes will serve an anticipated 40 to 70 residents ages 62 and older, spokesperson Amy Kenn said. Entrance fees will start at $420,000. 

The residents of the houses will be people who still drive, but if needed, Luthercare may provide campus shuttle service as well, Kenn said. 

“These homes will be offered as maintenance-free residences for individuals who are seeking an active, connected lifestyle without the responsibilities of traditional homeownership,” Kenn said.

READ: Child care center planned for Luther Acres campus in Lititz

The 37 homes are being built as part of the last development phase of the Lititz Reserve neighborhood, said Jim Walko, senior vice president of finance and innovation for Luthercare. Construction of the homes, located on Meadow Rose Drive and Azalea Alley, is expected to be completed by March 2026, Kenn said. Luthercare also currently owns 12 homes on Pin Oak Drive, she said.

Residents of the homes will have access to amenities on the 55-acre Luther Acres campus, including wellness programming, dining venues, fitness opportunities and cultural and educational events, Kenn said. Luther Acres has more than 600 residents, while Luthercare’s other Lancaster County campus, St. John Herr Estate at 200 Luther Lane, Columbia, has about 175 residents.

Since it is a continuing care retirement community, residents of Luther Acres — and of the 37 new homes — have “priority access” to health care services in the event that their needs change, Kenn said.

Early reservation opportunities are now open for a priority waitlist consisting of those who have previously expressed interest in Luther Acres, Kenn said.

Kenn noted that details may change as the project progresses, and that the information she provided reflects the current vision for the expansion of Luther Acres.

Though Luthercare is a nonprofit, it voluntarily pays full property taxes on all its properties, Kenn said.

About $5M earmarked for upgrades

The Lancaster City Council approved $26 million in tax-exempt financing via the Lancaster Municipal Authority for the project, as LNP | LancasterOnline has reported.

While the majority of the financing would be used for the 37 homes, it’s estimated that less than $5 million will go to the other projects, Walko said.

Other projects include the renovation of dining areas and expansion of culinary offerings on the Luther Acres campus, as well as the complete renovation and expansion of that campus’s fitness center. The fitness center project was already planned before the acquisition of the 37 homes, Kenn said.

Common areas on both campuses — such as community rooms, shared lounges and activity spaces — will see “upgrades and aesthetic refreshes,” Kenn said.

The funding will also go to other projects on the Luther Acres campus which are currently in the planning stages, including walking trails, outdoor gathering spaces, expanded spa and salon services, an art studio, and more, Kenn said.