A new trend is sweeping the senior living industry as churches seek to partner with developers to build communities within or adjacent to their campuses. The shift is part of a larger goal to serve and connect with a variety of people. three: living architecture’s latest design project – Lake Vista at Eagle’s Landing – is the result of such a partnership between Greenbrier Development, Omega Communities and Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church. Located in south Atlanta, the $30 million and 205,000-square-foot community will feature 120 independent living apartments, 32 memory care apartments and 42 assisted living apartments. Lake Vista will be an integral part of the Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church’s Ministry Village, which will create environments that make a difference in the lives of people at different life stages. three specializes in senior living and hospitality design and prides itself on creating unique architectural properties of lasting significance. In addition to the senior living community, the Ministry Village will eventually add the Henry County Pregnancy Resource Center, Eagle’s Landing Christian Counseling Center and a foster and adoption ministry called Uniting Hope 4 Children.
“We are still in the planning and designing stages of Lake Vista, and expect to begin construction in early 2017,” said Rob Lara, three: living architecture’s senior associate and project designer. “We project that the community will be completed in mid to late 2018. We have infused a craftsman-style architecture into the building design and infrastructure. This aesthetic will be carried over to the other new additions – as well as Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church – to unify the campus, facilitate consistency and create a welcoming and warm arrival. In addition, we will add a man-made lake to the newly acquired 65-acre property. This dazzling feature will have nature trails with viewing platforms and resting areas for visitors of Eagle’s Landing Ministry Village to enjoy. Other amenities will include a fitness center, a variety of dining areas, a pool, a bocce ball court, a spa, courtyards, gardens and multi-purpose spaces for flexible uses.”
“We envision a long-term relationship in which we foster relationships with Lake Vista residents by ministering through a weekly chapel service and also through our volunteers,” said Tim Luke, executive pastor for Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church. “Our intent is to create a team of volunteers who will serve at Lake Vista and develop relationships with the residents not only to help meet their physical and social needs, but also to connect them with our church to address their spiritual needs. Opportunities for engagement or volunteer work will also be available in the worship center and Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. Residents can sign up for anything that piques their interests, whether it’s a sporting event, a three-act Broadway play, a rehearsal featuring gifted musicians, writing get-well cards for friends, helping restock supplies in classrooms and the worship center, or traveling overseas to help one of our church plants on a short-term mission trip.”
Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church sees a great opportunity to expand its senior ministry, which is already vibrant with activities and opportunities. The church was interested in partnering with a company specializing in continuing care retirement communities for years. Once the 65-acre tract of raw land adjacent to the property became available, the leadership team knew this was their opportunity. When they heard about Omega Communities’ South Biscayne at North Port development in Florida, they immediately contacted Jimmy Taylor, COO of Omega Communities, and a partnership began. In order to qualify for a partnership with Omega Communities, churches need to meet the following criteria:
• First and foremost, a passion and a mission to care for seniors.
• An impactful and dynamic leadership team and congregation.
• The willingness to be an active part of the lives of our residents.
“Jimmy’s vision and our vision coalesced into an idea that we feel will be very special for the people of South Atlanta as Lake Vista anchors our Ministry Village,” said Luke. “The idea of partnering with Lake Vista at Eagle’s Landing thrills us. It is a privilege and a responsibility to help meet the needs of our community’s senior adults. We recognize that Lake Vista residents will have a variety of gifts, talents and personalities that will make us a more well-rounded church. We are excited to see how the synergy between Lake Vista and Eagle’s Landing impacts generations of families.”
“Omega’s model for senior living communities is to partner with qualifying, impactful churches to create an environment that benefits the entire community and promotes health and intergenerational relationships,” said Taylor. “When we learned of the pastoral team’s vision to reach so many different levels and stages of life through the Ministry Village, we wanted to be a part of that by helping to provide care to seniors and provide opportunities for younger generations to interact with seniors, enhancing quality of life for both. In addition to their broad reach through a variety of programs, Eagle’s Landing has its own K through 12 school. We believe this will create a true intergenerational connection for residents. We are delighted to work with three: living architecture, and we feel privileged to help make Lake Vista a reality for the Ministry Village at Eagle’s Landing. Lake Vista at Eagle’s Landing is expected to be Omega Communities’ seventh faith-based community.”
In addition to designing and building Lake Vista, Eagle’s Landing has requested that three update the 16-year-old façade of the church as well so that the aesthetics of the building’s exterior reflect the design of Lake Vista for consistency and a more inviting arrival. Together they are working to convert the institutionalized look into something more warm and welcoming in appearance. Eagle’s Landing understands that both the church and the school could benefit from creating environments that attract people of all ages who are hungry for community. The aesthetics will go a long way in making those environments successful.
