Orlando Senior Health, which owns and operates the non-profit Lutheran Towers complex near Lake Eola, is working on plans for a major expansion.
Agency representatives have had preliminary discussions with Orlando city planners for a new master plan calling for a 21-story tower on the existing site at 300 E. Church St.
Lutheran Towers is a continuum of care facility that offers an array of housing and services for seniors ranging from independent-living apartments to assisted living and skilled nursing care. It consists of two main buildings: The Fountains, a 17-story tower, and the 5-story Commons building on the east side facing Lake Street.
The conceptual plan from HKS Orlando principal Nathan Butler would require the agency to replace The Commons, which houses the skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation units.
The new tower would connect to the existing building and increase the number of independent living units by 167. The primary entrance would be relocated to this tower, along with a new reception area and waiting room. It also would enhance the amenity package with a new community room, coffee bar, outdoor living area, lounge and mailroom with an Amazon locker system.
A new parking garage also would be constructed adjacent to the existing structure. The plan would need to clear the city’s Municipal Planning Board and City Council, as well as the Appearance Review Board to proceed.
Officials at Orlando Senior Health could not be reached for comment.
Orlando Lutheran Towers is one of three senior housing communities located near the Orange County Administration Building, joined by Baptist Towers and Westminster Plaza, but it’s also attracting new high-end developments.
Across the street, Summa Development Group has approved plans for a J.W. Marriott-anchored hotel/condo tower and convention center. That project would rise to 33 stories and would feature a rooftop garden and wedding chapel over the parking garage.
Just one block over at the corner of Church and Rosalind, Highwoods Properties and Mill Creek Residential Trust are planning to build a new office building and 25-story Modera-branded apartment tower on what’s now a parking lot. The estimated construction costs for the project is $20 million for the office building and $98 million for the tower, with construction beginning in September 2023 on the tower.
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