Hallmark Place in Kimberly, WI

Pros

• Stephanie was very patient and kind as she guided visitors through the facility.
• Her mom was impressed with what she saw.
• Hallmark Place is well kept and well maintained.
• The staff are friendly and helpful.
• There is a good variety of activities.
• Bev Lenz is doing an excellent job.
• Residents are very happy with it.

Cons

• The facility's new management has made living there an unpleasant and unenjoyable experience most of the time.
• The residents describe the management as rude and highly judgmental, with a lack of activities and higher rents.
• Elevators are not reliable and don't work consistently.
• The rules are unreasonable, such as having to report all overnight guests.
• There are no automatic doors, making it difficult for those using wheelchairs and walkers to get in and out.
• Old windows leak, and there is only one garage entrance.
• Rent increases yearly with no improvements or updates.
• If a resident dies or needs to go to a nursing home, the family is responsible for the rent due on the lease.
• There are petty penalties and rude treatment if something is not done to the management's specifications.
• Appliances are outdated (e.g., 20-year-old appliances) and other amenities are not well maintained.

Review

Hallmark Place in Kimberly, WI is best suited for independent-minded seniors who want a smaller, neighborly community with approachable staff, well-kept spaces, and a lively activities scene. The character of the place leans toward social engagement and personal attention, with residents who value informal gatherings, Bible studies, and the sense of belonging that comes from a compact campus. A tour experience noted as patient and informative suggests a warm first impression for prospective residents, and the facility's upkeep supports a homey, low-stress lifestyle for those not yet requiring skilled care. For families prioritizing a welcoming, active atmosphere and manageable size, this community can deliver on daily comfort and social connection.

Yet, there are clear cautions that make alternatives worth considering, especially for those who anticipate greater care needs or tighter demands on infrastructure. Several accounts describe a shift in leadership that has left some residents feeling unheard and subjected to rigid rules, with complaints about rude treatment and a perceived lack of responsiveness. The physical plant is another concern: elevators that malfunction, limited entry points, and aging features like leaky windows and non-automatic doors create real challenges for mobility and daily convenience. These factors matter deeply for anyone evaluating safety, ease of access, and ongoing reliability of the built environment.

In terms of positives, Hallmark Place earns praise for a well-maintained facility, friendly and helpful staff, and a scope of activities that residents can expand as interest grows. The ability to start or join informal groups - such as Bible studies - and the sense that the community size fosters genuine connections are frequently cited as meaningful benefits. When management is described in favorable terms, it centers on consistency and trust, with residents and family members feeling they can rely on information and guidance from those in charge. Taken together, these strengths can offset a lot for residents who prize community spirit and approachable caregiving within a comfortable setting.

Still, the strongest offsetting factors do not fully negate the standout drawbacks. The repeated grievances about management style, rent increases without visible improvements, and punitive or overly prescriptive rules temper the otherwise positive impressions. Accessibility concerns - reliable elevators, automatic entry doors, and easier ingress for wheelchairs or walkers - are not just inconveniences; they shape daily independence and safety. Rent policies, associated fees, and the "pay for what you think you'll lose" dynamic push families to weigh ongoing costs against tangible, ongoing upgrades. For someone who expects predictable, proactive maintenance and clear, resident-focused governance, these issues loom large.

Residents and families should vet concrete operational details before deciding. Ask about the current leadership team, ongoing capital projects, and a published maintenance schedule for critical systems like elevators and doors. Request a recent resident satisfaction summary and copies of lease amendments that explain how rent increases are determined and what remedies exist when infrastructure falls short. Inquire about guest policies, safety features in common areas, and how activities are scheduled or expanded in response to resident interest. Most importantly, speak with several current residents about their day-to-day experiences to gauge whether the atmosphere and management style align with individual expectations.

Bottom line: Hallmark Place can be a strong fit for independent seniors who want a warm, active, smaller-scale environment with dependable upkeep and a staff they feel they can trust - provided current leadership remains attentive and the infrastructure remains functional. It tends to work best for those who can tolerate occasional governance hiccups and who place a premium on community life over pristine modern amenities. For anyone whose needs include reliable mobility-accessible design, transparent finances with steady upgrades, or a consistently respectful management approach, exploring alternatives in the Kimberly area is prudent. A well-structured tour with targeted questions will reveal whether Hallmark Place is the right home or if another option better matches priorities for independence, safety, and financial peace of mind.

This part of Kimberly, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals in close proximity, residents can easily access medical care when needed. Additionally, there are plenty of dining options ranging from fast food to casual restaurants, as well as cafes for leisurely meals or coffee outings. The area also boasts theaters for entertainment and parks for outdoor activities and relaxation. Places of worship are nearby for spiritual guidance and community engagement. Overall, this neighborhood provides a convenient and comfortable environment for seniors looking to live in a well-equipped and supportive community.

Physicians

• Valley Periodontics (0.4 miles)
• Surgery Center Association of Wisconsin (0.5 miles)
• RAYUS Radiology (1.5 miles)
• Valley Eye Associates (1.6 miles)
• Fox Valley Plastic Surgery (2.7 miles)
• ThedaCare Physicians Internal Medicine-Appleton (2.7 miles)
• Fox Valley Pulmonary Medicine (2.7 miles)

Theaters

• Valley Grand Cinema Appleton, Wi (0.4 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Anduzzi's Sports Club - Kimberly (0.8 miles)
• Manderfield's Home Bakery (1 miles)
• Taco Bell (1 miles)
• Kamps Bar (1.1 miles)
• Game Day Sports Bar (1.1 miles)
• Perkins Restaurant and Bakery (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Theda Care Fast Care (0.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Aurora Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Pick 'n Save Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Smith Pharmacy (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Spirit Church (1 miles)
• St Bernadette (1.7 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (3.2 miles)
• Immanuel United Church of Christ (3.2 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.2 miles)
• Seth's Coffee & Bake Shop (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Doyle Park (1.8 miles)
• Legion Park (1.8 miles)
• Darboy Community Park (2.1 miles)
• Heesakker Park (2.5 miles)
• La Follette Park (3.3 miles)
• Riverside Park (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Martha Siekman Cancer Center (3 miles)
• Icu (3 miles)
• Appleton Medical Center (3 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital (3.3 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary (3.3 miles)