ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that the Department of Public Works’ (DPW) East Columbia 50+ Center project has been awarded the prestigious “Large Project of the Year Award” by the County Engineers Association of Maryland (CEAM).
This award is a testament to impactful investments that enhance the quality of life of our residents. The East Columbia 50+ Center is more than just a building; it’s a community hub that fosters connection, wellness, and lifelong learning. We are incredibly proud of the work done by our Department of Public Works and community partners to make this vision a reality.
This annual award recognizes local county government projects that exceed $5,000,000 in cost and demonstrate excellence in meeting the needs of the community, while maximizing the efficient use of resources. DPW’s East Columbia 50+ Center Project was recognized for its responsiveness to resident needs, cost-effectiveness and innovative use of County resources.
A LEED Gold Certified building and designed with input from community members and stakeholders, the East Columbia 50+ Center is a model of innovative design, sustainability and community engagement, providing vital services and programs that meet the needs of Howard County’s growing senior population. With a focus on sustainability, the project utilized energy-efficient materials and systems to reduce environmental impact while providing a modern, welcoming space where older residents can engage in a variety of activities and services.
We are thrilled to be recognized for the East Columbia 50+ Center, which truly exemplifies the County’s focus on community-driven projects. This center not only reflects our commitment to innovation and sustainability but also our dedication to addressing the needs of our aging population. It is a project we believe will serve the community for generations to come.
In 2015, the County’s Department of Community Resources identified the East Columbia 50+ Center as one of the top priority projects in its Master Plan. With nearly 17,000 annual visits, the prior center space was insufficient to meet the needs of the growing community, estimating that one-third of the county's 50 and older population lives in East Columbia. The previous center also lacked a fitness center and was the only 50+ center to not have on in the county.
In March 2024, this new 29,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility opened. Seven times larger than its predecessor, the new facility boasts a fitness center, exercise studio, commercial kitchen, large community meeting spaces, a technology hub for virtual programs and expanded educational programs to promote connection and community amongst members. The new center is located in the middle of the County’s newly established “East Columbia Campus”, which includes the East Columbia Branch Library and the East Columbia Park.
The center became closer to a reality in 2019, after Howard County Executive Ball included long-awaited construction funding for the East Columbia 50+ Center in his Fiscal Year 2020, 2021 and 2022 capital budgets, bringing this much-needed project to fruition. The project's total cost was $17.8 million, which included $16.8 million in County funding and $1 million in State funding secured in partnership with the Howard County State Delegation.
For more information about the East Columbia 50+ Center, visit: www.howardcountymd.gov/aging-independence/east-columbia-50-center.
For questions or concerns about this award, contact Public Works Customer Service at 410-313-3440 or email publicworks@howardcountymd.gov.