UAW Senior Center

Pros

• The food is amazing.
• Prices are very reasonable.
• The facility is clean and residents are welcoming and kind.
• Shelly B's restaurant inside is good and affordable with friendly staff.
• The place is nice.
• Meals are provided at a low cost.
• Bingo is fun.
• There are great lunch specials.
• The facility is clean and has friendly people.
• It would be a great place to live.
• The senior apartments are income-based and well-maintained, with helpful administration.
• Living here offers senior living with many activities and is highly recommended.
• Residents report excellent service at the UAW Senior Citizens Building.
• The food is good, service is great, and prices are very reasonable.
• The rooms are nice and the staff is amazing; they do a lot for residents.
• The staff are considerate and easily accessible.
• The center provides meals and a variety of activities, making it a convenient and pleasant place for residents.
• Residents welcome visitors with open arms and invite them to return.
• The 11th-floor apartments offer awesome views.
• The restaurant serves large portions.
• Great staff and a nice place.
• Friendly occupants and a helpful front desk.

Cons

• The reviewer described the building as outdated and some floors as dark.
• The hallways were described as old, smoky, and musty.
• Elevators are often out of service, making access difficult and dangerous.
• There is gossip among residents, and visitors are sometimes accused of living there.
• The organization is accused of discriminating against applicants with misdemeanor convictions.
• The facility is not presented as assisted living and the care is questioned.

Review

The collection of reviews paints a picture of a place that serves as much more than a building for seniors. Across several locations, people repeatedly celebrate the warmth of the community, the accessibility of good, affordable food, and the sense of belonging that comes from residents and staff who seem genuinely invested in one another. Food and value stand out as a common thread: many reviewers call meals tasty and reasonably priced, with particular praise for on-site options and lunch specials that feel easy on a budget. The food receives high marks not only for taste but for consistency, with remarks such as "great prices," "great lunch specials," and "meals provided at a low cost" echoing through multiple notes. Shelly B's restaurant, described as good and cheap, appears as a focal point in diners' experiences, contributing to a busy, friendly atmosphere that many visitors remember fondly.

Cleanliness and a welcoming environment are recurring positives as well. Several reviewers commend the facilities for being clean and well-maintained, and they repeatedly note the friendliness and courtesy of the people who live there. In particular, residents and visitors alike describe the place as a comfortable, home-like setting where staff are attentive and residents are described as cheerful and kind. The sense of community is often tied to daily life - shared meals, casual chats, and the easy access to social activities that help people feel connected. The combination of a tidy environment and the social energy of the residents creates an impression of a thriving, welcoming micro-community within the larger building complex.

The living arrangements themselves are a major theme, with many comments highlighting income-based senior apartments and the overall concept of affordable housing for older adults. Reviewers describe the space as nice and compact, with some noting that apartments are a bit small but functional, and that the staff goes out of their way to be helpful. A number of entries emphasize the sense of purpose and activity - an emphasis on programs, events, and a cafeteria that makes daily life feel like a bustling, self-contained village. There are, however, contrasting views about the physical condition of the building: some say it shows its age, with cosmetic renovations being costly and the floors appearing older or dim. A few specific observations stand out, such as the top-floor views that "look out over the city" and the practical realities like small kitchenettes, the absence of a dining table in some units, and the general need for ongoing maintenance to keep everything current.

Elevator reliability and accessibility emerge as a clear area of concern in several reviews. Some residents praise the staff and the comfort of the common areas, but others point to issues with elevators being out of service and the resulting implications for safety and convenience, especially for those with mobility challenges. There are mentions of multiple floors, long waits, and the need for careful planning when moving around the building. In contrast, other reviews celebrate the sense of ease in day-to-day life - the staff's attentiveness, the availability of amenities like a cafeteria and laundry facilities, and the overall effort to keep residents comfortable. The discrepancy between these viewpoints highlights how experiences can vary from day to day, depending on maintenance cycles, time of day, and which floor a resident calls home.

Community life includes a healthy dose of social activities, but with some caveats. Reviewers frequently describe bingo games, various activities, and gift shop events as highlights, contributing to a lively social calendar that keeps residents engaged. There is an evident pride in the range of offerings and the ability to stay busy and entertained without leaving the building. Yet there is also a note of caution about social dynamics - some residents mention gossip and the potential for visitors to be scrutinized by others in the building. The overall sentiment suggests a strong social fabric, while also underscoring the importance of mutual respect and privacy within a close-knit community.

Policy, funding, and eligibility concerns figure into a few of the more impactful entries. One reviewer recounts a personal experience with the application process, noting that a past legal conviction was treated as a barrier, and expressing frustration with what they perceived as a lack of understanding about misdemeanor versus felony charges. This led to broader questions about government funding and non-discrimination policies tied to the organization. The tone reveals a belief that, given public or government funding, there should be clear, fair policies against discrimination and better communication about eligibility criteria. While many reviews celebrate the welcoming environment and practical benefits of the housing and meals, these policy concerns remind readers that financial support and regulatory compliance are integral to the experience as a whole.

Taken together, the reviews depict a complex, multi-faceted place that many people find valuable for its affordable housing, approachable dining, and strong sense of community. The strongest themes center on good-tasting, affordable food; friendly, caring staff; and an overall atmosphere that makes residents feel seen and included. At the same time, the records do not shy away from real challenges - aging infrastructure, occasional maintenance gaps, elevator reliability, and social dynamics - that can affect day-to-day life. For someone seeking an affordable senior living option that offers a robust social scene, dependable meals, and a supportive staff, this setting appears to be a compelling choice, provided they are mindful of the building's age, maintenance schedules, and the need to understand the policies that govern eligibility and resident life.

This part of Pekin, Illinois offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With several restaurants nearby, including options like Rosati's Pizza and Good Tequila's Mexican Grill, there are plenty of dining choices to suit different tastes. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies within a few miles, providing easy access to medical care and prescriptions. Additionally, the presence of places of worship such as Bethesda Church of God and parks like Pekin Riverfront offer opportunities for spiritual reflection and outdoor recreation. For transportation needs, options like U-Haul rentals and cab services are available within a short distance, making it easy to get around the area. Overall, this part of Pekin provides a mix of conveniences that may make it a desirable location for seniors seeking a vibrant community with essential amenities close by.

Restaurants

• Rosati's Pizza (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Taco John's (2.1 miles)
• Good Tequila's Mexican Grill (2.2 miles)
• Jack's Doghouse (2.6 miles)
• Monical's Pizza (2.6 miles)
• Hardee's (2.9 miles)

Physicians

• Pekin Orthopedic Center (2.5 miles)
• Midwest Orthopedic Center - Robert Jones Pa (2.5 miles)
• Eye Doctor (2.6 miles)
• Dr Brendon Johnson (2.6 miles)
• Central Illinois Pulmonary (3 miles)
• Reginald Bowman (3 miles)
• Bond Eye Associates (3.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Schnucks (2.9 miles)
• Pekin Prescription Lab (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Park Court Pharmacy (3 miles)
• Unitypoint Healthpharmacy Pekin (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Union Mission Center (3 miles)
• Bethesda Church of God (3.6 miles)

Parks

• Pekin Riverfront (3 miles)
• Gene Miller Park (3 miles)
• Dog Run (3.1 miles)
• Powerton Fish and Wildlife Area (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Progressive Health Systems (3 miles)
• Children's Hospital of Illinois (6.4 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (3.5 miles)
• Pekin Peoria Yellow Checker Cab (3.7 miles)
• Gate 3 (5.9 miles)
• General Downing - Peoria International Airport (PIA) (5.9 miles)
• Byerly Aviation (6.2 miles)

Cafes

• Coffee Bar (3.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.3 miles)
• Zion Coffee- E (5.7 miles)
• Thirty Thirty Coffee Co. (6.4 miles)