LSS President and CEO Returns to Hometown for Grand Re-Opening
August 30, 2024 – Allentown, Pennsylvania – Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) celebrated a significant expansion project at Luther Crest Senior Living Community designed to create memorable experiences for its residents while meeting increasing demand for more independent living and services for older adults in the Lehigh Valley. Adam Marles, LSS President and CEO and Allentown native, was there to ring in the new chapter for Luther Crest, which became a part of LSS in July.
“It feels great to be back,” said Marles. “I lived most of my life in the Lehigh Valley, so being here is a homecoming for me. This project showcases the future possibilities for senior living and we’re proud to provide an incredible backdrop and offerings to residents as they live life to the fullest. Luther Crest has always been a premier retirement destination, and we’re proud to make such a substantial reinvestment in the community.”
Extensive renovations to the Luther Crest community were made, including common areas and amenities such new, robust dining venues. Residents will enjoy:
- A casual, American-style bistro and grill
- An upscale dining space, serving filets and salmon
- A private dining room for parties and family gatherings
- A pub featuring small plates, smoked meats, and a full-service bar
- A coffee shop, serving espresso drinks and house-made pastries
- A grab-and-go retail marketplace, open 24/7
Beyond these, Luther Crest added another distinct feature: a mobile teaching kitchen. This kitchen includes special camera mounts, so chefs can provide live cooking classes to residents, both in-person and streaming on their apartment televisions.
“The dining experience for our residents has been completely transformed at Luther Crest,” said Nikki Rohrbach, Executive Director at Luther Crest. “These are truly state-of-the-art facilities, which pave the way for our great chefs to create new and exciting dishes, whether they’re using the new smoker, baking fresh bread in the new ovens, cooking a steak sous vide, or crafting high-end desserts for the pastry cases.”
The project also included the addition of a new four-story, 120,000-square-foot building that includes 69 spacious Independent Living apartments. Renovations were extended to other community spaces, including the lobby, library, multi-purpose room, mailroom, and some administrative areas.
“All of these new and renovated spaces have been intentionally designed to create moments of joy and fulfillment, from decorating their new apartments to making friends at meals or happy hour,” said Marles. “As an Allentown native, I’m excited that LSS is expanding our impact by providing more space for residents in our community to live with purpose and fulfillment.”
About Lutheran Senior Services
Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) is a mission-driven, nonprofit network that specializes in housing, care, and supportive services for older adults 60+. With 22 locations in Missouri, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, LSS is the 12th largest nonprofit senior living organization in the country, serveing more than 15,000 seniors a year through options that include senior living communities offering all levels of living, affordable housing for those with limited incomes, and home & community-based services. LSS builds upon more than 160 years of excellence in living out its mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest.