Howard County is making bold moves to invest in the future of Elkridge—its people, its spaces, and its stories. With the announcement of a $25 million investment for the new Elkridge Community and 50+ Center, County Executive Calvin Ball has set the stage for a new era of connection, wellness, and community pride.
At 67,000 square feet, the future Elkridge Community Center will be more than just a building—it will be a vibrant hub for residents of all ages. From a state-of-the-art gym and multi-use gathering spaces to a dedicated center for older adults and plans for a future pool, the facility is being thoughtfully designed to meet the long-standing needs of this historic community.
But what makes this project truly transformative is its commitment to integrating public art as a core part of the experience.
As part of the Arts for All initiative, Howard County has committed $500,000 to commission one or more permanent public art installations for the new center. The goal? To ensure that the space not only serves functional needs, but also uplifts the community’s identity, history, and creativity.
To lead this effort, the County has partnered with MIG, a nationally recognized leader in public art planning and placemaking. MIG brings deep expertise in curating meaningful, inclusive public art experiences that reflect the communities they serve.
“Public art has the power to transform spaces, foster community pride, and create lasting cultural connections,” said Ann Berchtold, MIG’s Director of Public Art and Placemaking. “As the Public Art Consultant for this procurement, my role is to guide a process that is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the community’s vision. This is about more than installing art—it’s about engagement, storytelling, and connection.”
The public art selected for Elkridge will be a permanent fixture—something that speaks not only to the present needs of the community, but also to its legacy and future. MIG’s role ensures that this process is guided by best practices, deep community engagement, and a curatorial vision grounded in equity and excellence.
With construction on the horizon and public engagement beginning, this is an exciting moment for Elkridge—and a model for how investment in public infrastructure can go hand-in-hand with cultural expression.
Because when we build spaces with the community and for the community, everyone benefits. And when we weave art into the fabric of our public spaces, we create places where everyone can feel seen, valued, and inspired.