La Fontaine Ctr

Pros

• The LaFontaine Center is a great place to live for seniors.
• It offers 24-hour on-site laundry, emergency pull cord systems in each apartment, and a Social Services Coordinator to help with benefits and resources.
• There is a beautiful community room residents can use for free to host family gatherings.
• Its downtown Huntington location lets residents walk to shops, the post office, banks, restaurants, hair salons, and more.
• Everyone there is one big family.
• The center is very clean and well kept.
• The building is a beautiful piece of history in Huntington.
• Long-term residents report no problems.
• The staff are friendly and extremely helpful.
• Residents love their apartments.

Cons

• They are so understaffed it's a joke.
• Half the time the door buzzer system is broken and the management is almost never there.
• The building is practically falling apart.
• The reception hall was nice but the employees forgot to put out trash cans.

Review

LaFontaine Center in downtown Huntington comes through in reviews as a place of charming history and practical perks, with a wide range of experiences that reflect its mixed reality. Several residents and visitors describe it as a great option for seniors, a neighborhood-friendly spot that offers easy access to shops, post offices, banks, and services, all within a historic building that carries its own character. For many, the building's affordability is a central appeal, especially when balanced against the conveniences that come with on-site amenities and downtown visibility.

The most consistently praised aspects center on the practical perks and the sense of community. The complex offers a 24-hour laundry facility, emergency pull cords in each apartment, and a social services coordinator who can help with Social Security benefits and other resources. There are planned activities that give residents opportunities to engage and socialize, and a beautiful community room that people can use for family gatherings free of charge. The location itself supports a walkable lifestyle, allowing residents to step out and visit nearby shops, post offices, banks, and hair salons, which many find invaluable for staying connected and independent.

People repeatedly describe LaFontaine as a beautiful, historic place to live. "Beautiful historical building. Great place to live," one review notes, while others emphasize that the center feels like "one big family." The sense of belonging seems to be a recurring theme, with long-time residents sharing that they've lived there for years, some without major problems, and visitors noting that friends there are "taken very well there." The overall tone from these accounts is warm and affectionate, underscoring the building's charm and the positive impressions left by staff and fellow residents.

Yet the picture is not without its clouds. A notable portion of the feedback highlights staffing and maintenance challenges that can color daily life. Several comments point to being understaffed, with door buzzer systems that break and management that's "almost never there." The building is described as "practically falling apart" by some, and there's also a mention of a reception hall incident where trash cans were forgotten to be set out, hinting at inconsistent operations in certain areas. The overarching message is that, while the place has many strengths, there are ongoing issues that affect residents' daily routines and peace of mind.

Individual experiences vary, offering a spectrum from robust contentment to practical frustration. Some residents express unambiguous enthusiasm: "I love my little apartment! ? I miss all the natural light in the morning," and "I live here and it rocks!!!!" Others frame their satisfaction around the social and community conveniences, noting that the staff are friendly and extremely helpful, and that volunteering at the center is a pleasant ongoing commitment. There are also appreciations for the cleanliness and upkeep, with calls for continued maintenance and attention to ensure the building remains a safe and comfortable home for all who live there.

When people talk about who LaFontaine Center is best suited for, the consensus leans toward seniors, disabled individuals, and those in need of a supportive, walkable environment. Reviews repeatedly mention its suitability for elderly or disabled residents, highlighting the cleanliness, good upkeep, and readily available resources that help residents navigate benefits and daily life. The downtown setting and the sense of community reinforce an image of a residence that is not just a place to sleep, but a locale where residents can stay connected, stay active, and feel part of a broader network of neighbors and caregivers.

In the end, LaFontaine Center emerges as a place of contrasts: historic charm and practical perks on one side, and staffing and maintenance challenges on the other. For many residents, the positives - the affordable living, the on-site services, the social opportunities, the proximity to downtown amenities - outweigh the drawbacks. For others, persistent issues like management presence and occasional maintenance gaps can put a damper on daily life. It's a residence that clearly works well for people who value community, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, while reminding potential movers that a commitment to addressing operational hiccups is essential to keep the overall living experience consistently positive.

Located in the heart of Huntington, Indiana, this area offers a variety of amenities within close proximity. With numerous cafes, restaurants, places of worship, physicians' offices, pharmacies, parks, transportation options, and even a theater nearby, residents can easily access everything they need for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. The presence of well-known establishments like Starbucks and Walgreens provides familiarity and convenience for seniors looking to settle down in this bustling community. Additionally, the nearby hospitals offer peace of mind knowing that quality healthcare is just a short drive away. Overall, this part of Huntington presents itself as a vibrant and accessible location for senior living.

Cafes

• The Party Shop (0.1 miles)
• Cafe of Hope (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Manchester University Jo Young Switzer Center (16.5 miles)
• KenapocoMocha (16.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Auditor's Lunch Table (0.1 miles)
• JD's Restaurant and Bar (0.1 miles)
• Brick House Grill (0.1 miles)
• Nick's Kitchen (0.1 miles)
• Sahara (0.5 miles)
• Los Amigos Mexican Restaurants (0.9 miles)
• Nick's Country Cafe (0.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Trinity United Methodist Church (0.2 miles)
• St Peter's First Community Church (0.2 miles)
• THiNK Church Office (0.2 miles)
• St Peter & Paul Catholic Church (0.3 miles)
• St Mary's Catholic Church (0.4 miles)
• St Mary's Catholic Parish (0.4 miles)
• Episcopal Church Christ the King (0.6 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Ringo's Office (0.7 miles)
• Cardinal Family Medicine (1.4 miles)
• Huntington Health Park (1.5 miles)
• Physicians Specialty Clinic (1.7 miles)
• Ortho Northeast One (1.7 miles)
• Parkview Huntington Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Family Optometry (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Memorial Park (0.8 miles)
• Hiers Park (0.8 miles)
• Roanoke Park (8.4 miles)
• Acres Kokiwanee Nature Preserve (10.7 miles)
• Indian Trails Park (16 miles)

Transportation

• Alamo (0.8 miles)
• Zay Leasing & Rentals (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Hipp Drug (15.7 miles)
• Walgreens (16 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (16.2 miles)

Theaters

• GQT Huntington 7 (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Parkview First Care (16.3 miles)