Kenzington Condominium Mgmt

Pros

• The front desk staff are friendly toward residents.
• The building is quiet with little drama.
• The outside grounds are attractive.
• The association provides full-size front-load washers and dryers.
• Amenities include a billiard room, library, and workout facilities.
• Entry security checks contribute to residents' safety.
• The interior is clean and well maintained, despite aging.
• The location offers convenient access to nearby services and shops.

Cons

• The place is gross, with dirty hallways, nasty carpet, and old, awful smells.
• The on-site manager is very unprofessional, and the board is a mess that does not communicate with owners.
• When residents ask questions, they receive no answers and staff simply walk away.
• The rear outside parking has a slanted incline and can be slippery in winter, creating a safety issue.
• A security staff member named Dee is described as unprofessional and racially disrespectful toward a delivery person.
• Dee refused to provide her name or any contact information, undermining accountability.
• Front desk staff have been described as rude and disrespectful, often raising their voices, using offensive language, and threatening to call the police.
• There is a perception of racial profiling and discrimination against residents and visitors by staff.
• Management is urged to address these issues and ensure respectful, inclusive treatment of all residents and visitors.
• There are concerns about structural issues and lack of in-depth construction documents, and certain maintenance decisions (like mounting a TV) were blocked.

Review

Kenzington/Kenzington Condos come across in these notes as a senior living community that many residents clearly call home with a sense of attachment, routine, and familiarity. In one thread of thinking, the building feels like a steady, well-structured place where front-desk staff know the residents by name, and where the security posture is front and center. Residents repeatedly mention that this is a "security building" that requires check-ins for service workers, movers, deliveries, and even visitors. For some, that process is a much-needed safety feature that makes life in an over-55 community feel protected and orderly. The sentiment is especially positive when describing the front-desk people, who are often described as friendly and approachable, contributing to an atmosphere of community and continuity.

At the same time, this complex is described as a place that is aging in place - 40 years old with a mix of strengths and clear opportunities for cosmetic and structural updates. The building is praised for being well-built and well-kept, with attractive grounds and a notable array of amenities for residents who want to stay active: full-size front-load washers and dryers, a billiard room, a library, and a workout area. The location is also cited as a practical blessing, offering access to eateries, shops, gas stations, and services, which makes daily life convenient and connected. For many, these features create a sense of comfort and independence while still living within a community designed for older adults.

But there is with equal intensity a thread of concern about cleanliness, upkeep, and the overall atmosphere inside the hallways and common spaces. Several reviews describe carpet in the hallways that is dirty or stained, old smells, and d?cor that feels dated or even off-putting. The hallways and communal areas are the spaces where residents notice the most visible signs of aging, and some residents feel that the environment could benefit from more frequent cleaning and more modern cosmetic updates to match the care shown in private apartments. These comments contrast with the positive notes about the grounds and exterior, suggesting a mismatched experience between outside appearances and inside realities.

Management, governance, and communication emerge as persistent points of contention in these notes. There are explicit concerns about how rules are crafted and communicated, as well as about the structural documentation - or the lack thereof - from the city or the HOA/board. Specific frustrations include the inability to mount a TV and the sense that some questions about the building's structure lack in-depth documentation or timely responses. In several passages, residents describe feeling dismissed or left with unanswered questions when they raise concerns about maintenance, safety, or policy. There is a recurring plea for more transparency and faster, more respectful communication from the board and management.

Several entries zero in on safety, both physical safety and the atmosphere of accountability. The exterior rear parking is described as having a sloped incline that can become slippery in winter, which raises practical concerns for an over-55 community where mobility and balance can be fragile. Soundproofing, too, becomes a mixed bag: upper-floor residents occasionally hear road noise, while others appreciate the odd glimpse of parades or fireworks. These notes illustrate a building that, on the one hand, provides a secure, sheltered living arrangement, yet on the other hand faces tangible, visit-specific challenges that affect daily comfort and accessibility.

A particularly troubling thread concerns staff behavior and experiences of discrimination. The most detailed accounts revolve around a security staff member named Dee, described by some as unprofessional, condescending, and in one instance racially disrespectful toward a Hispanic delivery person and an elderly resident faced with immobility. Reports note Dee's reluctance to share her name or contact information when asked, and a perceived pattern of racial profiling during interactions at the front desk. The experiences extend beyond a single incident: DoorDash deliveries to residents with mobility needs were treated with a similar lack of consideration, prompting complaints about empathy, customer service, and accountability. In another voice, a partner recounts a separate incident involving racial profiling and threats to call the police, leading to feelings of humiliation and a belief that the community's stated values - if not its mission - were being breached. These powerful, recurring concerns about fairness, dignity, and inclusivity are framed as core to the community's identity and as an area needing urgent, serious attention from management and leadership.

Interwoven with these concerns are stories of resilience and everyday life that speak to the heart of the place. Visitors describe a small lobby with two elevators, long hallways, and a friendly, if crowded, sense of activity. Even amid criticism, many residents express appreciation for the ability to live independently within a secure structure, the convenience of walkable access to stores and services, and a general sense of quiet stability. They mention personal experiences of warmth from front-desk staff, a cooperative atmosphere among neighbors, and moments when the building's amenities - like laundry rooms, a library, or a billiard room - offer real value and social engagement. In this light, the condo feels like a space with character and community, even as it acknowledges the need for improvements in management, maintenance, and staff training.

In sum, the Kenzington community is portrayed as a place of promise and practicality, shaped by a strong sense of security, neighborliness, and purpose-built amenities for seniors. It is also a setting where aging infrastructure, inconsistent communication, and troubling experiences with staff behavior reveal a rift between what residents value and what is delivered day-to-day. The mix of positive, supportive experiences with sharp criticism and urgent calls for change creates a nuanced portrait: a home that many residents clearly love for its stability and community, yet one that demands decisive actions from leadership to address cleanliness, safety, structural clarity, and, critically, the treatment of residents and visitors with dignity and respect. The path forward, as described by residents, seems to require transparent governance, stronger staff accountability, and targeted upgrades that align the building's operations with the values it seeks to embody.

This particular area of Minneapolis, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that would be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in the area. There are several restaurants within close proximity, including Taco Bell, McDonald's, and some local breweries such as Sociable Cider Werks and Bauhaus Brew Labs. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. Nearby cafes like Starbucks provide a nice spot to relax or meet with friends. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor activities and leisurely walks, as well as theaters like AMC Rosedale 14 for entertainment options. For medical care, there are hospitals and clinics within a few miles, making it convenient for regular check-ups or emergencies. Places of worship are also available in the vicinity for spiritual needs. Overall, this part of Minneapolis offers a range of services and facilities that cater to the needs and preferences of seniors looking to reside in the area.

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Sociable Cider Werks (1.3 miles)
• Bauhaus Brew Labs (1.5 miles)
• Steele & Hops (1.6 miles)
• Indeed Brewing Company (1.7 miles)
• Jimmy's Bar & Lounge (2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (3.7 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Groundswell (5.1 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (5.3 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (5.6 miles)

Parks

• Silverwood Park (2.1 miles)
• Boom Island Park (2.8 miles)
• Mill Ruins Park (3.1 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (3.4 miles)
• Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park (3.6 miles)
• Central Park Playground (3.8 miles)
• Gateway Dog Park - Off-Leash Play Area (3.9 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Rosedale 14 (2.6 miles)

Hospitals

• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (3.1 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (3.6 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (3.7 miles)
• Regency Hospital (5.7 miles)

Transportation

• Minnesota State Fair Transit Hub (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (3.4 miles)
• Fairview Clinics (3.5 miles)
• Cardiovascular Systems (3.9 miles)
• Eye Care Center (4.6 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (5.1 miles)
• Whittier Clinic (5.2 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westminster Presbyterian Church (4 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (4.9 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (5.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.4 miles)
• Elim Church Center (5.5 miles)