Since 1972, Lutheran Towers has been fulfilling its critical mission:
“Our mission is to provide a safe, quality, and affordable independent living, within a caring community, for low-income seniors with evidence-based supportive services that allow them to thrive as they age.”
A vision of the late Reverend Doctor Robert E. Lee, Lutheran Towers is the only faith-based community of its kind in Midtown Atlanta. Our commitment to quality extends to our staff, selected for their compassion as well as their skills and credentials.
Our History
Lutheran Towers is the only faith-based senior community of its kind in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. Our senior community was founded more than four decades ago with the overarching goal to provide moderate income seniors with affordable, safe, and secure housing in a caring and professional environment.
1960's
Senior Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the late Reverend Dr. Robert E. Lee’s dream to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing for low- and moderate-income seniors in the Midtown Atlanta, Georgia became a reality.
1969
In June 1969, The RLC Corporation was established and designated the first members of its governing body, the board of directors.
1970's
July 27, 1970 Redeemer congregation transferred ownership of the property to R.L.C Corporation, which led to the partnership with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Section 2020/236.
1971
April 25, 1971, Lutheran Towers Groundbreaking.
1972
April 1972 first residents moved into the building.
October 8, 1972 Lutheran Towers Dedication Ceremony
2000's
Charles Rizzo, Tom Leppenan, and Mark Lee all served as Lutheran Towers Executive Directors during the first 32 years of operation.
2004
In 2004, G. David Sprowl, MPA became Lutheran Towers' 4th Executive Director.
The 2000s marked the era of transformation for Lutheran Towers, as building renovation occurred routinely, new collaborations were established, and the service offerings to residents expanded.
Thanks to the generous donations from Redeemer Lutheran Church members and others in the community, Lutheran Towers completed the first phase of renovations to include furnishing the elevator lobbies on all floors.
In pursuit of residents' well- being, we hosted our inaugural Health Fair featuring 40 health related partners such as the American Cancer Society, Atlanta Medical Center, and Grady Hospital.
2005
In 2005, As part of ongoing renovations, we installed a beautiful garden fountain in memory of Pastor Robert E. Lee, Lutheran Towers' founder.
2006
In 2006, Lutheran Towers completed the renovation of Lee Hall, the garden, the kitchen, and the adjacent storage room. Both phase II and phase III of the hallway renovations were completed.
The 35th Anniversary ground-breaking of Lutheran Towers was celebrated in honor of the founding board members.
The Board of Directors and Development Committee launched an Annual Fund.
2011
In 2011, in continuation to meet our mission , Lutheran Towers successfully refinanced its mortgage. The proceeds were used to renovate the bathrooms and kitchens in each of the resident apartments.
2012
In 2012 Lutheran Towers held its 40th Anniversary celebration on April 20th.
2017
In 2017 Nichelle Mitchem, Esq. became Lutheran Towers’ 5th Executive Director.
In 2017, the Lifelong Learning Center and Game Room were established.
2018
Lutheran Towers continued to flourish by expanding our community partnerships, growing our service offerings to include expanded hours as well as more varied services, and establishing free resident food programs.
Lutheran Towers conducted a resident needs assessment which highlighted that due to their extremely low retirement incomes that over 90% of Lutheran Towers’ residents are food insecure which means that they exhaust their food and funds to purchase food before the month’s end.
2018
Established a Food Reclamation Program in partnership with Redeemer Lutheran Church which affords Lutheran Towers an opportunity to conduct a free weekly food market for our residents.
Residents free Thanksgiving Day Brunch established.
Lifelong Learning Center and Game Room Center were created.
2018
2018 Lutheran Towers flourishes through expanded community partnerships, extended service hours, increased offerings, and free resident food programs. A resident needs assessment revealed that over 90% of residents face food insecurity due to low retirement incomes.
Lutheran Towers partners with Redeemer Lutheran Church for a weekly food market.
Residents free Thanksgiving Day Luncheon established.
2019
We look to our future by appreciating and building upon our past. These actions allow
the building to remain a desirable housing option for lower-income seniors in the Midtown area.
1st Floor Renovation Completed: Fellowship Hall/Lee Hall, Bistro, Commercial Kitchen, and garden.
Established partnership with Atlanta Community Food Bank to create a free food pantry on-site for our residents.
2020 - 2021
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Lutheran Towers partnered with Fulton Community Senior Services and Redeemer Lutheran Church to provide on-site weekday lunches for 65 vulnerable residents. Staff also implemented virtual programs.
Installed WI-FI throughout the building to give residents free Internet access.
Lutheran Towers continued on a positive trajectory by holding three on site vaccination clinics for residents.
Completed renovation of the common areas on all 15 floors.
2022
Lutheran Towers became the first and ONLY senior community to open a free on-site grocery store.
Lutheran Towers celebrated 50 years.
In November, Karon Winston became the 6th Executive Director.
Over 117,360 pounds of food was distributed to seniors in the Lutheran Towers community.
