Iris Park Commons in St. Paul, MN

Save

Iris Park Commons in St. Paul, MN

Iris Park Commons is an assisted living community in St. Paul, MN.

Information last verified:

1850 University Avenue West, St. Paul, MN 55104

For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318

4.7 from 18 reviews
5 stars
12
4 stars
6
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 stars
0

Overall Review of Iris Park Commons

Pros

  • pro Iris Park Commons is very nice, with community rooms, a lunchroom, and ample amenities.
  • pro The rooms at Iris Park Commons are beautiful.
  • pro The dining area at Iris Park Commons is large and airy.
  • pro Iris Park Commons offers an active, integrated community with elderly housing, assisted living, and long-term care all in one facility.
  • pro The Gardens of Episcopal Homes is a brand-new facility with well-trained, compassionate, and loving staff.
  • pro The Gardens of Episcopal Homes provides assisted living, independent living, and nursing in one place, creating a family-like environment.

Cons

  • pro His room is maybe more spacious than what he needs — a private room that has some benefits and some that are not so good.

Review

Iris Park Commons is best suited for families seeking a true continuum of care under one campus, where independence, assisted living, and nursing care can be navigated without uprooting the resident. The campus design, several buildings that segment different levels of need, creates a stable, familiar home base as care needs evolve. It rewards those who value a dignified, resident-centered philosophy, reliable staff presence, and a lively social calendar. For families chasing the latest architectural trends, a single intimate setting, or a facility with a laser focus on one level of care, alternatives should be explored. Iris Park’s strength lies in breadth of services, not in boutique simplicity, and that makes it a deliberate choice for long-range planning.

The strongest positives cluster around environment, community, and staffing. Rooms and living spaces are described as beautiful, with the dining area feeling large and airy, fostering a sense of openness and hospitality. The staff remains a clear asset: residents benefit from a consistent team that gets to know them well and maintains continuity in care. The experience includes a robust social life, open areas, coffee-shop vibes, and regular activities, often enhanced by programming that leverages outside experts or university-level instructors. The on-site bus adds practical mobility, expanding shopping, appointments, and outings beyond the facility’s walls. Taken together, these elements create a neighborhood-like atmosphere that supports both social engagement and daily comfort.

The campus structure itself is a practical asset. With about six buildings dedicated to different care scenarios, Iris Park Commons enables smooth transitions without the friction of relocating to a new community. Families repeatedly highlight the cohesive mission to treat residents with dignity, paired with staff competence and warmth. Even in the more intensive care settings, the environment remains welcoming and active. This alignment between physical layout, staffing, and philosophy helps offset the potential downsides of a larger, multi-building operation, delivering predictability, familiarity, and a sense that the care team truly knows each resident.

There are valid reasons some families may want to compare alternatives. The Gardens of Episcopal Homes, noted by some reviewers as brand new, offers a newer architectural aesthetic and fresh facilities that might appeal to those prioritizing up-to-date amenities. In contrast, Iris Park’s breadth of services on a single campus can feel expansive and even sprawling to prospective residents seeking a smaller footprint. For families who prefer a single building with a more intimate feel, or who want highly specialized memory-care configurations, a smaller operator could be a better fit. These contrasts matter because the choice hinges on whether comfort comes more from a fresh, compact space or from a sense of comprehensive, on-site care pathways.

Prospective decisions should center on concrete experience during visits. Test the continuity of staffing by asking about turnover, observe dining quality and portioning, and evaluate participation in programs that align with personal interests, such as classes or lectures that mirror college-level engagement. Room layout matters too: one reviewer noted a private room that felt larger than necessary and weighed the advantages and drawbacks of extra space. Transportation reliability, the appeal of social activities, and the availability of transportation for shopping or appointments should be verified. Above all, firsthand immersion into the day-to-day atmosphere, talking with staff, wandering the common areas, and sitting in on activities, will reveal whether Iris Park Commons lives up to its reputation for dignity-respecting care and an active community.

Overall, Iris Park Commons delivers a robust, decision-worthy profile for families prioritizing continuity of care, staff reliability, and a social, engaging environment. It excels for those who want a supportive, integrated campus where independent living, assisted living, and long-term care exist side by side, reducing disruption as needs evolve. The strongest caveat is not about quality but about fit: the appeal of a large, multi-building campus versus a smaller, newer, single-building setting. For families comfortable with breadth in services and a well-established caregiving culture, Iris Park Commons stands out as a confident, practical choice. For others, especially those chasing a newer build or a more intimate footprint, exploring competitive options will ensure the best alignment of goals, budget, and lifestyle.

Features

Housing

  • 76 resident community capacity 76 resident community capacity
  • 1-bedroom apartments 1-bedroom apartments
  • 2-bedroom apartments 2-bedroom apartments
  • Studio apartments Studio apartments

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living Assisted Living
  • Skilled Nursing Facility Skilled Nursing Facility

Amenities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-site
  • Air-conditioning Air-conditioning
  • Beautician on-site Beautician on-site
  • Beauty salon Beauty salon
  • Cable or satellite TV Cable or satellite TV
  • Computer center Computer center
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-site
  • Dining room Dining room
  • Financial aid Financial aid
  • Financing advice Financing advice
  • Fitness room Fitness room
  • Full kitchen Full kitchen
  • Fully furnished Fully furnished
  • Gaming room Gaming room
  • Garden Garden
  • General store General store
  • Hiking trails Hiking trails
  • Home sale assistance Home sale assistance
  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping services
  • Indoor common areas Indoor common areas
  • Kitchenette Kitchenette
  • Laundry Laundry
  • Move-in coordination Move-in coordination
  • Outdoor space Outdoor space
  • Private bathrooms Private bathrooms
  • Private cleaning services Private cleaning services
  • Respite or short term stays offered Respite or short term stays offered
  • Restaurant-style dining Restaurant-style dining
  • Small library Small library
  • Swimming pool Swimming pool
  • TV room TV room
  • Telephone Telephone
  • VA Benefits Consultation VA Benefits Consultation
  • Wellness center Wellness center
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available

Transportation

  • Minneapolis-St Paul International (6 miles away) Minneapolis-St Paul International (6 miles away)
  • Community operated transportation Community operated transportation
  • Transportation & parking Transportation & parking
  • Transportation arrangement Transportation arrangement
  • Transportation arrangement (non-medical) Transportation arrangement (non-medical)

Care Services

  • 12-16 hour nursing 12-16 hour nursing
  • 24-hour call system 24-hour call system
  • 24-hour supervision 24-hour supervision
  • Activities of daily living assistance Activities of daily living assistance
  • Ambulatory care Ambulatory care
  • Assistance with bathing Assistance with bathing
  • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressing
  • Assistance with transfers Assistance with transfers
  • Coordination with health care providers Coordination with health care providers
  • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
  • Diabetic care Diabetic care
  • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and service
  • Medication management Medication management
  • Mental wellness program Mental wellness program
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions
  • Transportation arrangement (medical) Transportation arrangement (medical)
  • Transportation to doctors appointments Transportation to doctors appointments
  • Walking wheelchair assistance Walking wheelchair assistance

Dining

  • Diabetes diet Diabetes diet
  • Meals provided Meals provided
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictions

Activities

  • Activities on-site Activities on-site
  • Arts and crafts Arts and crafts
  • Community-sponsored activities Community-sponsored activities
  • Concierge services Concierge services
  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsite
  • Fitness programs Fitness programs
  • Live musical performances Live musical performances
  • Planned day trips Planned day trips
  • Religious services Religious services
  • Resident-run activities Resident-run activities
  • Scheduled daily activities Scheduled daily activities
  • Tai Chi Tai Chi
  • Yoga / chair yoga Yoga / chair yoga

Languages Spoken

  • English English

Description

Iris Park Commons in St. Paul, MN is a vibrant and welcoming assisted living community that offers a range of housing options and care services for seniors. Our community provides comfortable 2-bedroom apartments and studio apartments, ensuring residents can choose a living space that suits their needs.

At Iris Park Commons, we prioritize the well-being and happiness of our residents by providing excellent amenities. Each apartment is equipped with air-conditioning for maximum comfort, and our on-site beautician and beauty salon ensure that residents can always look and feel their best. Enjoy watching your favorite shows with cable or satellite TV, or take advantage of our community-operated transportation to explore the local area.

Our computer center allows residents to stay connected with loved ones and engage in online activities, while devotional services off-site provide spiritual support. Delight in meals served in our dining room with restaurant-style dining, or cook your own creations in your full kitchen. Apartments come fully furnished for convenience.

For entertainment and socialization, we offer a gaming room, TV room, small library, swimming pool, and fitness room. Enjoy the outdoors with hiking trails and a beautiful garden space. Laundry services are available on-site to make daily tasks easier.

In addition to these amenities, Iris Park Commons offers various care services to meet individual needs. Our 24-hour call system ensures help is always close by if needed. Trained staff provide assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, transfers, and ambulatory care. We coordinate closely with health care providers to ensure comprehensive care for our residents.

Our dedicated team manages medication management and diabetes care for those who require it. A mental wellness program is also available to promote emotional well-being.

Transportation arrangements are made both for non-medical purposes as well as medical appointments so that residents can easily reach their destinations. We also assist with respite or short-term stays when necessary.

Residents at Iris Park Commons can enjoy a wide range of activities to stay engaged and entertained. From arts and crafts to fitness programs, live musical performances, planned day trips, and tai chi or yoga classes, there is always something happening for everyone's interests.

Our community is conveniently located near cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, theaters, and hospitals. Residents can easily access these amenities to meet their daily needs or enjoy recreational activities.

At Iris Park Commons in St. Paul, MN, we strive to provide a comfortable and enriching environment where seniors can thrive. With top-notch care services and a variety of amenities and activities available both within the community and nearby, residents can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

Videos

Nearby Places of Interest

This part of St. Paul, Minnesota, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to a senior lifestyle. With numerous restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents have easy access to dining options and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the presence of parks and places of worship provides opportunities for relaxation and spiritual fulfillment. The availability of transportation hubs nearby ensures convenient travel options for seniors looking to explore the city or visit loved ones. Furthermore, the presence of reputable hospitals in the area offers peace of mind for any potential medical needs. Overall, this part of St. Paul offers a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a vibrant and accessible community to call home.

Restaurants

  • Taco Bell (0.6 miles)
  • Dubliner Pub (0.6 miles)
  • BlackStack Brewing (0.7 miles)
  • Brew Hall (0.7 miles)
  • Surly Brewing Company (1.9 miles)
  • Bole' Ethiopian Cuisine (2 miles)
  • Giggles' Campfire Grill - Minnesota State Fair (2.1 miles)

Physicians

  • Dermatology Consultants P.A. (0.7 miles)
  • HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (1.6 miles)
  • Parkway Family Physicians (2.6 miles)
  • Whittier Clinic (4.9 miles)
  • West Side Community Health Services (5.2 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.6 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.6 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.7 miles)
  • Walgreens (2.9 miles)
  • Walgreens (3.1 miles)
  • Target Pharmacy (3.3 miles)

Cafes

  • Groundswell (1.1 miles)
  • Roundtable Cof (1.1 miles)
  • Starbucks (2 miles)
  • Dunn Brothers Coffee (5.2 miles)

Places of Worship

  • St George Greek Orthodox Church (1.8 miles)
  • WW Studio (2.5 miles)
  • Cathedral of St Paul (3.5 miles)
  • Westminster Presbyterian Church (4.8 miles)

Transportation

  • Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (1.9 miles)
  • Union Depot (4.6 miles)
  • Concourse D (5.1 miles)
  • Concourse E (5.1 miles)
  • Escape Lounge (5.2 miles)
  • Delta Sky Club (5.2 miles)
  • Concourse C (5.2 miles)

Parks

  • Como Park (2.1 miles)
  • Longfellow Park (2.3 miles)
  • Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park (2.4 miles)
  • Wabun Picnic Area (3 miles)
  • Lake Hiawatha Park (3.4 miles)
  • Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (3.6 miles)
  • Hidden Falls Park (3.7 miles)

Hospitals

  • University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (2.7 miles)
  • United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (3.6 miles)
  • St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (3.9 miles)
  • VA Medical Center (3.9 miles)
  • Regions Hospital Burn Center (4.1 miles)
  • Hennepin County Medical Center (4.2 miles)
  • Csc Gi Lab (4.3 miles)

Theaters

  • AMC Rosedale 14 (4 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

What floor plans and room types does Iris Park Commons offer?
Where is Iris Park Commons?
What photos are available for Iris Park Commons in St. Paul, Minnesota?

Nearby Communities

  • Episcopal Church Home Of Minnesota

    Episcopal Church Home Of Minnesota

    Saint Paul, MN

    3.4 from 40 reviews
     

    pro Professional, attentive staff with clean facilities and engaging activities.

  • Episcopal Home Care And Servic

    Episcopal Home Care And Servic

    St Paul, MN

    4.3 from 106 reviews
     

    pro Small, personalized community with 24/7 supervision and a mental wellness program.

  • Episcopal Church Home Gardens

    Episcopal Church Home Gardens

    Saint Paul, MN

    4.4 from 9 reviews
    $5,400 / month

    pro Extensive 24/7 care with diverse on-site amenities.

  • Cornelia House

    Cornelia House

    St. Paul, MN

    4.7 from 7 reviews
     

    pro Strong nearby amenities (cafes, parks, healthcare, dining, transit, places of worship, cultural activities) for convenience and social engagement.

  • The Estates At Lynnhurst

    The Estates At Lynnhurst

    Saint Paul, MN

    2.2 from 26 reviews
    $5,535 / month

    pro Comprehensive on-site amenities and services with private, furnished apartments.

  • Safe & Compassionate Home Care

    Safe & Compassionate Home Care

    St Paul, MN

    4 from 4 reviews
     

    pro 24/7 supervision with ADL assistance, medication management, wellness program, and transportation to medical appointments.

  • Carondelet Village

    Carondelet Village

    Saint Paul, MN

    5 from 2 reviews
     

    pro Warm, skilled staff and a welcoming, home-like environment.

  • New Perspective Senior Living | Highland Park

    New Perspective Senior Living | Highland Park

    Saint Paul, MN

    4.3 from 81 reviews
    $2,272 to $3,769 / month

    pro Caring staff and engaging activities create a warm, supportive environment.

  • New Perspective Roseville

    New Perspective Roseville

    Roseville, MN

    4.3 from 60 reviews
     

    pro Friendly staff and pleasant accommodations.

Related Resources

  • does medicare pay for assisted livingMedicare Coverage for Assisted Living: An In-Depth Exploration

    Medicare does not cover assisted living costs, as it focuses on acute medical needs and short-term care, with exceptions for certain medically necessary services like physical therapy. Individuals must explore other options such as Medicaid, veterans' benefits, or long-term care insurance to manage these expenses effectively.

  • assisted living vs nursing homeChoosing the Right Senior Care: A Detailed Exploration of Assisted Living and Nursing Homes

    Choosing between assisted living and nursing homes involves evaluating emotional and financial factors, with assisted living offering independence and support for daily activities at a lower cost, while nursing homes provide intensive medical care for individuals with significant health needs. The decision is influenced by personal preferences, health status, cognitive function, and varying Medicaid coverage across states.

  • assisted living costUnderstanding the True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide

    Assisted living in 2025 offers a crucial balance of independence and support for seniors, with costs varying from $2,500 to over $7,000 per month based on factors such as location and care level. Understanding pricing complexities, including regional differences and potential hidden fees, is essential for families to plan financially while ensuring quality care for their loved ones.

By clicking submit, you agree to our Partner's Terms of Use. You also consent to receive calls and texts, which may be autodialed, from our Partner. Your consent is not a condition to using our Partner's service. Please visit our Partner's Privacy Policy for information about their privacy practices.
Submit