Bren Road Station

Pros

• Residents appreciate the spacious and beautiful apartments at Bren Road Station, noting they offer great value for the rent paid.
• The maintenance team is highly regarded for their responsiveness and top-notch service, ensuring that residents' needs are promptly addressed.
• The communal areas, including the theater, fitness center, and outdoor grilling area, provide ample opportunities for socialization and activities among residents.
• Many reviewers highlight the cleanliness of the facility, with some stating that it felt secure and well-maintained.
• Staff members are often described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive community atmosphere.
• Newer facilities and appealing amenities make Bren Road Station an attractive option for potential residents looking for modern living spaces.
• The strong sense of community among residents fosters a welcoming environment where people feel comfortable connecting with each other.

Cons

• The Assistant Manager has failed to communicate effectively during emergencies and traumatic events, causing concern among residents.
• Management is isolating non-Christian community members and neglecting to support pet-friendly events or grief counseling.
• Numerous underage guests have been found using community facilities without resident supervision, violating the rules of the 55+ community.
• Parking is consistently inadequate for overnight guests, leading to frustration and potential towing threats if no visitor spots are available.
• Residents have reported significant rent increases that exceed the promised cap, driving many to move out quickly.
• There are complaints about dog owners not cleaning up after their pets, affecting the overall cleanliness of the property.
• The office staff at Bren Road Station are perceived as unfriendly and unresponsive to residents' needs.
• Some residents feel that there’s a lack of organized community events to foster connections among neighbors in an otherwise chaotic environment.

Review

An Overview of Living Experiences at Bren Road Station

Bren Road Station, a relatively new senior living community managed by Dominium, has garnered mixed reviews from its residents and visitors alike. While many praise the beautiful apartments and the array of amenities, significant concerns have been raised regarding management practices, communications, and conditions within the community. Residents appreciate the spaciousness and cleanliness of their apartments; they often describe them as "gorgeous" and "turnkey ready." The presence of ample storage space, fitness facilities, a salon, a theater room, and social areas offer an appealing lifestyle for those seeking an active senior living experience.

One aspect that stands out is how well-maintained Bren Road Station is perceived to be. Many residents highlight the professionalism and responsiveness of the maintenance staff. Complaints are addressed promptly, with a particular emphasis on maintaining cleanliness in common areas—a point noted by several individuals during their tours. Despite these positives, issues concerning management's oversight loom large over residents' experiences. Reports indicate that mismanagement leads to problems related to parking availability for guests as well as high turnover rates among staff members.

Communication—or more accurately, the lack thereof—has surfaced as a notable concern among both current residents and prospective tenants. Multiple reviews indicate that while the facility itself offers great amenities such as walking paths and shared spaces for gatherings like book clubs or meetings, there remains a deficit in organizing events that could foster community engagement. Efforts to promote inclusivity are reportedly lacking; some residents feel isolated based on their non-Christian backgrounds or due to pet-related issues where dog owners fail to clean up after their pets inside and outside common areas.

Parking is another major frustration for many residents at Bren Road Station. Although management claims there are ten designated visitor spots for overnight guests, it seems these spots are often occupied by non-residents or long-term guests who do not adhere to lease agreements prohibiting them from using visitor spaces. Consequently, providing accommodations for family or friends becomes increasingly difficult—the absence of alternative street parking exacerbates this already challenging situation.

Furthermore, the overarching management policies have come under scrutiny regarding rental increases that exceed expectations set forth in lease agreements; complaints have highlighted rent hikes nearing 10-11%, deviating from what was meant to be capped at 3%. These financial concerns have prompted fear among some residents about affordability going forward—added to distress over safety issues in the area surrounding Bren Road Station where instances of drug-related activity have been reported.

In summary, Bren Road Station boasts beautiful living spaces complemented by an array of amenities designed for seniors seeking an engaging lifestyle. However, ongoing challenges related to communication breakdowns within management along with parking frustrations significantly detract from overall resident satisfaction. While some individuals might find solace in its aesthetics and convenience features such as underground parking or accessible fitness centers manageable despite these shortcomings, potential newcomers should proceed with caution after evaluating both positive highlights and substantial critiques before making a decision on their next home.

This part of Minnetonka, Minnesota offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering this area for living. With multiple healthcare options such as Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat and University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview Southdale Hospital nearby, residents can feel assured of quality medical care. There are also various pharmacies within a short distance, making it easy to access medication and healthcare supplies. In terms of recreation, there are several parks like McGuire Park and Centennial Lakes Park where seniors can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Additionally, there are numerous dining options ranging from fast food chains like Taco Bell to local eateries like Wooden Hill Brewing. Overall, this area provides a mix of healthcare facilities, recreation options, dining choices, and more, making it a well-rounded community for seniors to consider for their next home.

Physicians

• Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota's Ear, Nose and Throat (1.2 miles)
• Park Nicollet Clinic (3.5 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina - Crosstown (4.2 miles)
• CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis (4.4 miles)
• University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview Southdale Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Physicians Building (4.5 miles)
• Southdale Pediatrics (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (1.9 miles)
• Grace Church (5.4 miles)
• St Therese of Deephaven (5.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Love Shack (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Lunds & Byerlys 50th Street Edina (4.3 miles)

Parks

• McGuire Park (2.6 miles)
• Aquila Park (3.6 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (4.8 miles)
• Centennial Lakes Park (4.9 miles)
• Hyland Lake Park Reserve (5.5 miles)
• Bandimere Heights Park (6.5 miles)
• Lake Susan Park (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Abbott Northwestern Center For Outpatient Care (2.8 miles)
• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (3.4 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Hospital (4.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (2.8 miles)
• Old Chicago (2.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.1 miles)
• McDonald's (3.2 miles)
• Duke's On 7 (3.4 miles)
• Wooden Hill Brewing (3.5 miles)
• Bunny's Bar & Grill (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (3.9 miles)
• Jinx Tea (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.6 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (7.3 miles)

Theaters

• 0705 Amc Southdale 16 (4.6 miles)