Kensington

Pros

• The Kensington is a beautiful building inside and out.
• The owner, Kurt, takes excellent care of the property.
• Management and the owner are friendly, attentive, and respectful.
• The residents are friendly and welcoming.
• The apartments are beautiful, safe, and feel like home.
• The building has seen significant improvements under the new ownership.
• Kurt cares about safety and is updating the interiors.
• On-site managers Richard and Colleen are helpful and friendly.
• It is well managed with activities for seniors.
• It is affordable for seniors and located in a beautiful historic downtown building.
• The building is safe and well maintained.

Cons

• A resident claims there are bed bugs on the 4th floor and alleges the owner refuses to exterminate them across the building.
• The same reviewer warns others not to move their parents into the building, saying they deserve a better place to live and be comfortable.
• A commenter notes that parking is outside and residents must shovel snow off their own cars, which is inconvenient.
• Another reviewer mentions that the building used to have a great cook offering lunches, but it is unclear if lunches are still offered and the old cook is no longer there.

Review

The Kensington in downtown Winona comes through in these reviews as a charming, historic apartment community that feels like a comfortable home for seniors. Residents repeatedly describe the building as beautiful inside and out, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that starts the moment you approach the property. The owner, Kurt, is singled out for his hands-on care of the property, and the management team is praised for being friendly, attentive, and respectful. In short, people feel safe, valued, and at home while living here, and many express pride in the community they've helped build.

A central thread across the observations is the ongoing improvement of the property under new ownership. Reviewers note that since a new owner took charge (over a year ago, with additional changes over the past two years), the Kensington has undergone significant positive changes. The building's exterior and interior have been refreshed, and there's emphasis on safety that had previously been neglected. Several reviewers mention that the interior is gradually being remodeled to state-of-the-art standards, while still preserving the character of the historic structure. The sense is that the building is not static but evolving to offer a better living environment for its residents.

Management and on-site support are highlighted as standout strengths. On-site assistant managers Richard and Colleen are described as very helpful and friendly, with Richard managing other building-related tasks as well. Tenants repeatedly credit Kurt with timely maintenance and hands-on involvement in keeping the property up to a high standard. The overall tone is one of reliability and trust: when maintenance is needed, help is swift, and the culture emphasizes courtesy, respect, and a warm sense of community. That supportive environment goes beyond individual apartments to encompass activities and social connections for the residents.

For seniors considering this lifestyle, the Kensington is positioned as a practical and appealing option. Several reviews emphasize affordability for 55+ living, in addition to the convenience of a downtown location that's not too far from community resources like the Senior Friendship Center. The on-site restaurant in the lobby, with lunch offerings in the past, plus the possibility of social and cultural activities, adds to the sense of a true living community rather than a bare apartment building. The historic charm of the building - its architecture and its location - contributes to a unique sense of place that residents describe as special and dear to their hearts.

There is strong praise for a renewed vision under the newer ownership. One review explicitly notes that a new owner took over in July and has an excellent vision for making the Kensington great again for seniors, already showing noticeable improvements. The sentiment across multiple voices is that this leadership is listening to residents' needs and delivering changes that enhance safety, aesthetics, and overall livability. This theme of thoughtful, ongoing improvement frames many positive experiences and reinforces confidence in the community's future.

Amid the praise and the progress, there are a few cautionary notes that prospective residents should weigh. One resident recounts a serious concern about bed bugs, dating from a stay on the 4th floor and a belief that the owner has not exterminated the issue across the building. The sentiment stresses tenants' rights and the importance of addressing pest problems comprehensively for the comfort and safety of all residents. This single, strongly worded account stands in contrast to the otherwise positive perspective but is an important reminder that, like any property, issues can arise and residents value transparent, proactive responses from management.

Other remarks touch on the practicalities of living there: some residents remember a longtime cook who offered lunches in the past, though it's unclear whether those meals are still available now. Parking is available close to the building but outside, with tenants responsible for clearing snow from their own cars. The lobby restaurant is noted as a pleasant feature for the public and residents alike, with a nod to a well-regarded goulash on certain days. Overall, the Kensington comes across as a place where downtown convenience, social opportunities, and a strong sense of community intersect with ongoing improvements and attentive management.

In sum, the Kensington presents itself as a beautiful, well-located, historic senior living option that many residents cherish. With an owner who is actively investing in safety, repairs, and modernization, and with on-site staff who are praised for their accessibility and responsiveness, it offers a welcoming environment where neighbors know each other and look out for one another. Potential residents should visit, meet the management team, and explore the current remodeling progress, while also considering the reported pest issue and verifying the latest status of any pest control measures. The combination of character, community, and a clear commitment to improvement makes it a compelling choice for many seniors seeking a supportive, homey living experience in Winona.

This part of Winona, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to senior living. With numerous restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within walking distance, residents have easy access to dining options and healthcare facilities. The area also features beautiful parks such as Central Park and Garvin Heights City Park for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Additionally, there are several places of worship nearby for spiritual fulfillment. Transportation options like Winona Station and Amtrak make it convenient for seniors to travel within the city or beyond. With hospitals like Winona Health and Community Memorial Hospital in close proximity, residents can rest assured knowing that medical care is easily accessible. Overall, this part of Winona provides a comfortable and convenient environment for senior living.

Restaurants

• Great Hunan Restaurant (0.1 miles)
• Erbert & Gerbert's (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• The Oaks Wine Bar (0.1 miles)
• The Boathouse (0.2 miles)
• Bub's Brewing Co. (0.2 miles)
• NOSH Restaurant & Bar (0.3 miles)

Cafes

• Blue Heron Coffeehouse (0.1 miles)
• Acoustic Cafe (0.2 miles)
• Mugshots Coffee House (1.5 miles)
• Blooming Grounds Coffee House (1.5 miles)
• Mugby Junction (1.5 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (2 miles)
• Winonas Family Restaur (2.1 miles)

Physicians

• Semcac (0.1 miles)
• Winona Health (1 miles)
• Winona Health Rehab Services (1 miles)
• Michener, Mary Agnes Dr-Winona Health Multi Specialty (1.5 miles)
• Family Medicine Of Winona (1.6 miles)
• Winona Clinic (1.6 miles)

Theaters

• Winona 7 (0.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wesley United Methodist Church (0.2 miles)
• First Congregational Church (0.2 miles)
• Central Lutheran Church (0.3 miles)
• New Beginnings Church (0.3 miles)
• Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (0.4 miles)
• Pathways Together Encounter Christ (0.4 miles)
• The Diocese of Winona Foundation (0.5 miles)

Parks

• Upper MS River NW & Fr (0.2 miles)
• Central Park (0.2 miles)
• Winona Information Center (1.2 miles)
• Garvin Heights City Park (1.4 miles)
• Recreation Park (14.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winona Health (0.4 miles)
• Parkview Pharmacy at WSU (0.4 miles)
• Goltz Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Parkview Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Winona Health Services Clinic Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.8 miles)

Transportation

• Winona Station (0.6 miles)
• Amtrak (0.6 miles)
• Union Pacific Railroad (1.1 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.9 miles)
• Ridge Top Taxidermy (2 miles)
• Win Air (3.6 miles)
• Whitetail Wonderland Taxidermy (12.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Winona Health (1.6 miles)
• Community Memorial Hospital (1.6 miles)