The Mil Project: Creating Vibrant Communities Outside Military Bases

Reimagining Life Around Military Bases: The Mil Project’s Vision for Vibrant Communities

NATIONWIDE - OCTOBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) Life on a military base can often feel isolated, especially for service members and their families who are stationed in remote areas. From long hours on duty to frequent relocations, these communities often lack the services, spaces, and connections needed to make them feel truly at home. The Mil Project is changing that.

Founded by military spouse Rachel Beierle, The Mil Project is transforming military-adjacent spaces into dynamic, community-driven developments that go far beyond simple lodging. It’s about creating vibrant neighborhoods that foster connection, creativity, and a real sense of belonging for military families, service members, and visitors.

“The military lifestyle isn’t just about resilience, it’s about finding ways to thrive in an environment that’s always changing,” says Rachel, who has firsthand experience navigating life on base. “The Mil Project is focused on creating unique spaces that bridge the gap between life on and off base”.

The Spark: From Military Life to Hospitality Visionary

Rachel’s journey to founding The Mil Project was born from her own experiences as a military spouse. After relocating numerous times for her husband’s career in the U.S. Air Force, she grew frustrated by the lack of thoughtfully designed spaces for military families. As a military spouse at a remote base, she became close with other spouses and discovered they all shared similar frustrations–long drives into town, the usual fast food options, and nowhere nice for friends and family to stay. Rachel saw the gaps that needed filling.

As an architectural designer and mother of two, she combined her passion for creativity and her deep empathy for military life into a vision that would change the way military communities experience their surroundings. Her idea was simple yet profound: What if we could create spaces that cater to the unique needs of military families while fostering community and connection?

And so, The Mil Project was born.

Going Beyond Lodging: Creating Dynamic Spaces

Unlike typical military-adjacent developments, The Mil Project doesn’t just offer a place to sleep, it creates a destination. Rachel’s vision includes boutique lodging that’s comfortable and inviting, alongside retail spaces that showcase local artisans and military spouse-owned businesses, restaurants that cater to both quick meals and more celebratory gatherings, and community areas that foster connection.

“These spaces are about more than just convenience, they’re about creating an environment that feels alive,” says Rachel. “Military families deserve places that give them the opportunity to relax, connect, and feel inspired no matter where they’re stationed.”

The spaces also serve a practical purpose. They offer much-needed amenities and services that military families often lack when living in remote areas, such as access to local goods, healthy food options, and unique retail experiences. The Mil Project is designed not just for short stays but as a long-term solution to make military life feel more connected and vibrant.

Empathy-Driven Design: Understanding Military Life

What truly sets The Mil Project apart is Rachel’s personal connection to the military community. Unlike traditional developers, Rachel approaches each project with the unique perspective of a military spouse and mother who understands the challenges military families face daily. This empathy-driven design philosophy allows The Mil Project to address the emotional and practical needs of military families.

Rachel explains, “As a spouse, I’ve experienced that feeling of isolation and disconnection that comes with moving to new places and adjusting to base life. I wanted to create spaces that excited me to step off base, even when you’re far from familiar surroundings.”

The designs are also practical and family-oriented, offering multifunctional spaces that can accommodate a variety of needs, from hosting family gatherings to providing quiet corners for service members to relax after long hours on duty.

Connecting Communities: The Long-Term Impact

The Mil Project isn’t just about building physical structures; it’s about building lasting communities. These spaces are designed to foster deeper connections, whether it’s between neighbors, families, or military personnel. By creating areas that encourage socializing, sharing experiences, and engaging with the local community, The Mil Project aims to make a tangible difference in military life.

Rachel believes that the success of The Mil Project lies in the power of community. She envisions spaces that serve as social anchors, places where military families can make lasting friendships, enjoy local experiences, and feel connected to their new homes.

“We need spaces that celebrate the unique culture of military families and highlight the remote communities surrounding the base by thinking beyond temporary solutions,” Rachel says. “We want to create places that military families want to visit, not just need to visit.”

Growing the Mil Project: From One Base to Many

Starting with Edwards Air Force Base in California, The Mil Project is poised to expand to other remote military installations across the country. Rachel’s long-term vision includes bringing this community-driven, purpose-built model to military bases worldwide, transforming the way military families experience their lives both on and off base.

“We’re building more than a hospitality project; we’re creating a blueprint for what military communities can be,” Rachel shares. “This is just the beginning. Our goal is to scale these developments and create spaces that honor history, promote connection, and support families in a meaningful way.”

Be Part of the Movement: Join The Mil Project

For those who are passionate about transforming military communities and want to be part of this exciting movement, The Mil Project is growing fast. Explore their vision, stay updated on new developments, and join the effort to redefine what life around military bases can look like.

Visit The Mil Project to learn more, and follow them on Instagram at @themilproject for the latest news and developments.

Join Rachel and The Mil Project team in creating a lasting impact that helps military families live their best lives, no matter where they are stationed.