20 East Exchange Street, St Paul, MN 55101
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Central Towers
Pros
The new manager brings a lot of experience. - Central Towers offers an excellent location with convenient access to amenities and summer music.
- The staff are professional, helpful, and friendly.
- The apartments are clean, well-maintained, and beautifully remodeled.
- The building is beautifully remodeled with friendly staff and engaging outings and activities.
- It is regarded as the best living for senior citizens in town.
- Maintenance and activity staff are excellent, with same-day maintenance available.
- The building is connected to the St. Paul skyway system and the green line light rail.
Cons
Some reviewers warn that people will be unhappy if they choose Central Towers.- Residents are treated as objects.
- The tour is filled with do-not signs, giving a negative first impression.
- Wheelchair users face hard-to-open doors when trying to dispose of trash or do laundry.
- The building’s policy of locking common rooms, despite cameras and security, feels unnecessary.
- Smokers are effectively not welcome, and nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke.
- The apartments are very small with limited cabinet space, and there is no parking.
Review
Central Towers in St. Paul is best suited for seniors who want an active, connected lifestyle at a modest price, with immediate access to transit options and a lively calendar of activities. Residents who value a recently remodeled, welcoming atmosphere, dependable on-site staff, and practical conveniences, discounted cable, free Wi-Fi, meal options, and home-care availability, will find the community aligns with their day-to-day needs. It rewards those who are comfortable living in a compact apartment while staying engaged through organized outings, social events, and convenient proximity to the city’s transit network.
There are clear reasons some seniors may want to consider alternatives. The environment can feel challenging for those who demand a strictly smoke-free, pristine setting, because although a no-smoking policy exists, secondhand smoke can still surface in elevators and hallways. Parking is limited and units are notably small, which matters for households with mobility aids or a lot of belongings. In some impressions, the building’s security and surveillance rig can feel intrusive, and there are notes of staff needing to balance safety with resident autonomy. For families who prioritize spacious living, easy parking, or absolute quiet, alternatives with larger units and lighter security footprints deserve consideration.
The positives are sizable and tend to offset substantial trade-offs for many residents. The building’s recent remodeling has produced attractive common areas and a refreshed lobby, elevating daily life aesthetics. The staff, described as friendly and capable, is reinforced by leadership that brings considerable experience and a visible commitment to residents’ well-being. The social calendar is rich, outings, activities, and community events are consistently highlighted, creating a sense of belonging. Practical services, maintenance completed promptly, on-site chapel, cafeteria, and the option for home care, round out a holistic living experience. The location also matters: connected to the skyway system, close to bus lines, parks, and local amenities, which can greatly enhance independence for residents who do not want to retire from exploring the city.
Still, the realities of space and policy require careful weighing. The apartments’ compact footprint translates into limited storage and a smaller living area, a factor for couples or individuals with more furniture. Parking constraints mean additional planning for visitors or caregivers who drive, a friction point many families will want to address before move-in. The no-smoking rule, while curbing indoor smoke, does not always eliminate exposure in shared spaces, prompting diligence about policy enforcement and ventilation. A sense of heightened security, cameras and locked common rooms, can feel protective but may also feel burdensome to residents seeking a more relaxed, private atmosphere. Prospective residents should verify how these policies are enforced day to day and whether any remodel work will impact access or noise levels during an initial transition.
From a practical decision standpoint, Central Towers delivers solid value for those prioritizing community, services, and an urban lifestyle over expansive living space. The staff’s willingness to go the extra mile, the strong maintenance responsiveness, and the supportive on-site teams are repeatedly praised, providing a reliable safety net for daily life. The remodeled interiors and shared spaces lift the overall quality, while included amenities such as discounted cable and free Wi‑Fi reduce ongoing costs. The setting, within reach of transit, cultural offerings, and green spaces, enables residents to maintain independence and social connectedness without sacrificing convenience.
The bottom line is clear: Central Towers is a pragmatic choice for seniors who crave an active, affordable lifestyle with dependable staff support, comprehensive programming, and easy downtown access. It may not be the right fit for those who require larger, more open apartments, guaranteed parking, or a completely smoke-free, ultra-quiet environment. Families weighing options should compare with other senior communities that offer bigger residences or parking packages, and should insist on a tour that probes current remodeling progress, the consistency of no-smoking enforcement, and how security measures actually shape daily life. For those whose priorities align with engagement, proximity, and practical services, Central Towers stands as a resilient, welcoming choice with lasting appeal.
21 resident community capacity
1-bedroom apartments
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Beautician on-site
Cable or satellite TV
Dining room
Financial aid
Full kitchen
Fully furnished
Garden
General store
Housekeeping services
Laundry
Move-in coordination
Outdoor space
Overnight guests
Party space
Resident parking
Telephone
Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available
Minneapolis-St Paul International (8 miles away)
Transportation & parking
24-hour call system
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Diabetes diet
Hospice waiver
Meal preparation and service
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Special dietary restrictions
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Arts and crafts
Fitness programs
Games
Religious services
English
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