The Pillars of Prospect Park Senior Living Community Now Open

The Pillars of Prospect Park Senior Living Community Now Open
Next to University of Minnesota Minneapolis Campus

Seniors receive unprecedented access to a city lifestyle, ongoing learning opportunities and intergenerational programming

Minneapolis, Minn. – June 1, 2020 – Oppidan Investment Company, a national property development firm headquartered in Excelsior, Minn., and Ebenezer Management Services, the largest residential management company in the state that specializes in senior housing, announce the opening of The Pillars of Prospect Park, the area’s newest senior living community at 22 Malcolm Ave SE in Minneapolis. The first residents began moving into The Pillars of Prospect Park in mid-May.

The project is located on 1.64 acres and features a 10-story, 340,000 square foot building that includes 283 units offering seniors a choice of independent living, assisted living or memory care. An additional 1,900 square feet is available for a retail tenant (yet to be determined) and 6,230 square feet is designated for a childcare serving 105 children ranging from infant to pre-K and will include indoor/outdoor playgrounds.

The Pillars of Prospect Park boasts of a variety of unique amenities, including:

• University of Minnesota Partnerships: All residents of The Pillars of Prospect Park will receive a Life Membership with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association, discounts to the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) courses and transportation to these courses. Once COVID-19 social distancing restrictions are lifted, residents will be able to enjoy engaging collaborations with university students due to its proximity to the University of Minnesota. This includes learning, research, internships and career opportunities related to senior living and health care. A unique partnership with Gopher Athletics allows residents access to unique experiences with University of Minnesota sports, such as women’s basketball season tickets, visits from Goldy, and even volunteering opportunities at games.
• Intergenerational Programming: The “grandfriends” who live in the community will have meaningful opportunities to engage with children who attend the on-site childcare program. “Grandfriends” and children establish important bonds through playtime, crafts, reading books and rocking babies.
• Commitment to Memory Care: Special attention has been given to ensure memory care residents thrive. The Pillars of Prospect Park is one of the few in the country offering circadian lighting, which is designed to allow residents exposure to lighting that matches the natural progression of daylight. Memory care residents benefit from increased alertness, improved mood, reduced hyperactivity, improved sleep and faster cognitive processing. Additionally, The Pillars Fund, is available to immerse seniors in more than 50 enriching senior and memory care programs through activities and other therapies that stimulate and engage residents to the fullest. Oppidan created The Pillars Fund in 2016 and continues to finance the fund to enrich the lives of seniors with memory loss who are living in each Pillars community.

“The Pillars of Prospect Park provides elegant living designed exclusively for seniors that’s set in an urban oasis which makes accessing the best of the Twin Cities easy. Seniors will continue to enjoy an active lifestyle filled with visits to theaters and art exhibits, grocery stores and breweries or University of Minnesota sporting events,” said Shannon Rusk, Oppidan Senior Vice President of Development “Not only is The Pillars of Prospect Park situated in a prime location, but the community is also close to a light rail stop, Metro bus line and offers a community van and bikes for residents to enjoy.”

“The University of Minnesota Alumni Association is proud to partner with Oppidan and Ebenezer on The Pillars of Prospect Park,” said Lisa Lewis, Alumni Association President and CEO. “We look forward to welcoming residents to the U of M alumni family and keeping them connected to the world-class excellence of the University of Minnesota with services and opportunities that engage and inspire.”

Additional amenities that will help residents feel right at home include including a club room, fitness center with golf simulator, roof deck, bistro, salon/spa and in-unit washer/dryer, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, walk-in closets, balconies (for select units) and underground parking. Units will also feature oversized windows to capture views of the Minneapolis skyline.

“In this unprecedented time, we’re thrilled to offer this premier living option to seniors in our community,” said Jonathan Lundberg, Ebenezer President and Chief Executive Officer. “This community is specifically designed to help area seniors live longer, healthier and more meaningful lives.”

The project’s general contractor is Weis Builders and the architect is Tushie Montgomery. 

This is the fifth joint project between Oppidan and Ebenezer. Other Pillars senior living communities include The Pillars of Shorewood Landing, The Pillars of White Bear Lake, The Pillars of Highland Park and The Pillars of Mankato.