Partnership with the University of Minnesota on display with new art installations at The Pillars

Oppidan’s partnership with the University of Minnesota on display with new art installations at The Pillars of Prospect Park

UMN College of Design students created a mural for the childcare center and generator wrap

Minneapolis, Minn. – (December 3, 2021) – University of Minnesota College of Design students received real world experience bringing their art to life in a partnership with The Pillars of Prospect Park senior living community. The College of Design students completed two projects:

• Mural: Students in the Advanced Typography class created mural concepts to adorn the 6’ x 38’ interior wall of courtyard play area at The Pillars Child Care. The Pillars of Prospect Park staff selected the winning design by Annabelle Casperson and local artist and 2012 UMN graduate, Nick Vander Loop painted the design on the courtyard wall. The project was led by UMN Teaching Specialist Bill Moran. Time lapse of this art installation is available here: Nicholas Adsit Vander Loop Mural at The Pillars of Prospect Park
• Generator Wrap: Students in the Intro to Design class created art concepts to wrap the roughly 17’ generator on the exterior of The Pillars of Prospect Park. The Pillars of Prospect Park residents and staff selected the winning design by Morgan Frober. The project was wrapped by Brand Ink. The project was led by UMN Lecturer, Karl Engebretson.

The Pillars of Prospect Park senior living, located at 22 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, Minn., 55414, is the first senior living community in the Prospect Park neighborhood and is one of nine senior living communities developed by Oppidan, a Twin Cities-based national property development firm.

The Pillars of Prospect Park includes 283 units offering seniors a choice of independent living, assisted living or memory care. The community is nestled near the University of Minnesota and in an urban oasis that provides easy access to Twin Cities theaters, grocery stores, breweries or public transportation.

The Pillars of Prospect Park and the University of Minnesota have also engaged in meaningful relationships since the senior living community opened in 2020, including:

• Alumni Association: All residents of the Pillars of Propsect Park receive a Life Membership with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association and discounts to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)
• Gopher Athletics: A unique partnership with Gopher Athletics allows residents access to unique experiences with University of Minnesota sports, such as men’s and women’s basketball season tickets, visits from Goldy, and even volunteering opportunities at games.
• Student Housing: University of Minnesota students can rent an unfurnished studio apartment at The Pillars of Prospect Park. The monthly rent includes all utilities, satellite TV, wireless internet, 10 meals per month, and access to all of the Pillars of Prospect Park amenities. Students are required to commit to interacting with residents for 10 hours per month through planned events or socializing.

“When we envisioned a senior living community in Prospect Park and so close to the University of Minnesota campus, this is exactly the type of partnership and collaboration we hoped for,” said Shannon Rusk, Oppidan VP of Development. “Not only are we bringing together so many different people, but we are beautifying the community along the way.”

Adding to the allure of the community is its internationally recognized Intergenerational Connections offered by Ebenezer Management Services, the largest senior housing operator in the state. Included in this program are opportunities for older adults to engage with children and youth of all ages to bridge the generation gap and create learning opportunities for all ages.

“Intergenerational Connections allows people of all ages to share their talents and resources, supporting each other in relationships that benefit individuals and the community,” said Sue Ferguson, Director of Marketing at Ebenezer. “This is a wonderful example of people of all ages – child care students, college students and our senior residents - coming together to create amazing results.”

Since 1991, Oppidan has continued to command attention in the commercial development industry and Oppidan and Ebenezer have partnered on seven Pillars senior housing communities throughout Minnesota. In addition to The Pillars of Prospect Park in Minneapolis, there are also Pillars senior living communities in Grand Rapids, Lakeville, Highland Park, Mankato, Shorewood Landing, White Bear Lake.