Annapolis, MD (August 1, 2025) - County Executive Steuart Pittman today announced the official commencement of the Capital Improvement Project to renovate and expand the Arnold Senior Activity Center. Located at 44 Church Road, Arnold, MD, the center, built in 1922, was originally the home of one of the two elementary schools serving the Arnold area. The Anne Arundel County Public School System sold it to the county in 1977, and, after extensive remodeling in 1979, the historic building was reopened as the Arnold Senior Activity Center. Today, membership and programming at the center have increased to the point of exceeding the capacity and provisions of the site.
This renovation and expansion project has a Notice to Proceed starting on July 17, 2025 and construction is expected to begin the week of August 4, 2025. The expansion of the center will add over 3,350 square feet to the footprint of the existing building. This will create 4 additional classrooms for activities and additional space for group activities to accommodate the growing needs of the center members. The facility will be constructed to meet LEED Silver Certification utilizing solar roof panels, electric charging stations, LED lighting, and other utility efficient fixtures. The building was originally constructed as a two-room elementary school. This renovation and expansion project will prioritize the preservation of some of the building's original architectural features, such as the distinct siding, foyer, and the overall footprint of the former school. Interior modifications will respect the existing layout and character, ensuring that any new elements complement the historic design.
"Expanding opportunities to enhance the health and wellness of older adults in this area of Anne Arundel County is long overdue," announced County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Consistent with my smart growth and redevelopment policies, I’m excited to offer more services and activities to the community within the existing footprint of the building.”
"The renovation of the Arnold Senior Activity Center is a much-needed investment that will expand capacity at this popular site," said County Executive Steuart Pittman. "With this expansion, we will be able to serve even more seniors as we invest in the well-being and future of our older adults."
In preparation for the renovation and expansion project, activities at the Arnold Senior Activity Center were relocated to a temporary home on the Arnold Campus of the Anne Arundel Community College (AACC). The center’s regular programs, activities, and daily Senior Nutrition Program are now held at the temporary location. The center was relocated to Building Annex A, which is a stand-alone modular building with accessibility ramps, located at 101 College Pkwy, Arnold, MD 21012. It has accessible parking directly in front of the building’s entrance. AACC has also provided space in the Johnson Building, where several of the center’s AACC classes will be held.
“We are profoundly grateful for County Executive Pittman's dedicated investment in our senior activity centers," remarked Karrisa Kelly, Director of the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities. "His ongoing support to expand the network of senior activity centers and improve enrichment programs has been vital to the overall health and well-being of our county’s older adults."
The construction contractor, BGC, Inc., the construction management company, Development Facilitators, Inc., and the architectural and engineering firm, GFT, Inc., will be working under the supervision of the Department of Public Works. Construction is expected to be complete by late summer of 2026. The construction cost of the project is approximately $8,800,000. The project includes: The renovation of 7,950 SF of the existing building, a 3,350 SF addition, site modifications to reconfigure the onsite traffic pattern and parking, abandonment of the on-site septic system and the connection to public sewer, and the addition of roof-mounted solar panels.
For more information on membership, programming, and accommodations at the temporary site, contact the center at 410-222-1922 or arnoldcenter@aacounty.org. For additional information regarding the project, contact Matt Diehl, Public Information Officer, Department of Public Works at 410-222-7582. Membership is available free of charge at any of the 8 senior activity centers and sites are open to adults age 55 and older.
For more information or for anyone needing accommodations, contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities at 410-222-4257. TTY users, please call via Maryland Relay 7-1-1.