The Woodlands area-based Project Beacon has proudly been selected as a Lowe’s Hometowns project, one of 100 community-nominated, large-scale renovations that will revitalize nonprofit and community spaces serving as hubs and heartbeats for hometowns. Now in its fourth year, Lowe’s Hometowns is the company’s fiveyear, $100 million commitment to repairing and restoring millions of square feet of community space.
The Lowe’s Hometowns grant will benefit the newly opened Beacon Access Center with phase 2 improvements. The project will enhance safety, accessibility, and sensory responsiveness by installing durable flooring, improved lighting options and controls, water filtration, electromechanical window shades, and essential signage. Additionally, creating a sensory calming space with tactile panels and a water feature will provide a much-needed sensory retreat, while upgraded outdoor spaces will foster socialization and recreation.
These improvements align with the Beacon Access Center’s mission to provide a cutting-edge, neuroinclusive space that empowers individuals with Autism/Intellectual Disability/Developmental Disabilities (A/I/DD) to build skills, increase independence, and fully engage in their community. By removing environmental barriers and integrating essential support features, Phase 2 will transform the Center into a model of accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that every participant has a space where they feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow.
On Lowe's RED VEST Work Day, we popped into the Beacon Access Center at 27316 Spectrum Way in Oak Ridge North to see some of the Project Beacon improvements in action. See below for our interview with Project Beacon Executive Director and Co-Founder, Kelly Baughman:
With help from Lowe’s red vest associates across the country, Lowe’s Hometowns projects will help expand kitchen and serving capacity for food pantries, restore dignity to well-used transitional housing facilities, revitalize parks and gardens for neighbors to safely gather, and build restorative spaces for first responders to rest between calls.
Earlier this year, Lowe’s announced a promise to deliver 10 million square feet of impact to capture the immeasurable difference made when Lowe’s shows up to help, including initiatives like Lowe’s Hometowns. Visit Lowes.com/hometowns and follow #HowLowesHelps on social media for more details on 2025 projects.
