Lee Square Cooperative in Robbinsdale, MN

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Pros

• The employees are very attentive and all the products are very fresh.
• The store is very clean.
• The staff, including the J team, John, Janet, and Julie, are excellent workers who handle much of the building’s business.
• The residents are very nice and caring.
• It’s a cooperative with a reasonable membership fee and a strong commitment to building safety.
• There are activities where residents can get together and meet.
• Free food is available on Fridays at the free counter.
• The building is kept clean and orderly.
• The location is phenomenal for area events and programs.
• The grounds and facility are beautiful and well maintained.
• The Y offers free athletic classes, swimming, coffee, book groups, and knitting circles, run by highly trained and friendly staff.
• It feels like a large extended family with a beautiful commons area to meet, chat, play games, or have parties.

Cons

• No third-person negative statements are present in the reviews; they are all positive or neutral.

Review

Lee Square Cooperative in Robbinsdale is best suited for active, budget-conscious seniors who want a warm, collaborative community rather than a sterile, private apartment experience. The cooperative model matters here: residents purchase the unit they live in and join a membership with a shared voice in building upkeep and programs. The environment rewards social engagement, with well-kept grounds, common spaces for gatherings, and a pace that favors neighborhood connections over rapid turnover. For those who value safety, clean facilities, and regular, lightly structured activities without sacrificing affordability, Lee Square delivers.

Altogether, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Seniors seeking high-end amenities, a full-service care continuum, or strict privacy may prefer alternatives. The cooperative framework means residents share some governance and costs, which can feel restrictive to those who want total independence or minimal oversight. Also, those who require on-site medical or daily living support should look for communities explicitly designed as assisted living or continuing care retirement communities. In short: it’s ideal for socially engaged residents who can embrace a community-forward, affordable lifestyle; those chasing maximum services or complete independence may want to explore other options.

From the reviews, the strongest upside is the people and the people-focused operations. Staff are described as attentive, with teams named by residents as dependable, John, Janet, Julie, who handle much of the building’s business and safety concerns. The living environment is repeatedly praised for cleanliness and upkeep, both inside and in the grounds, creating a reassuring sense of order. Residents also highlight a robust social fabric: collaborative commons, opportunities to gather, a calendar of activities, and free food on Fridays that fosters casual connection. All of this compounds to create a lived-in atmosphere that reduces isolation and makes daily life feel meaningful and grounded.

The location is another decisive win. The property sits in a walkable, vibrant area with easy access to shopping, dining, and cultural options, including theaters and sports venues within a short drive. The campus itself features a welcoming outdoor setting, gardens, a pleasant walking path, and views that make daily life feel pleasant rather than clinical. Inside, amenities like a library, large activity rooms, a fitness room, and even a beauty shop support independent living without forcing residents into paid services. The combination of affordability, accessibility, and a rich social calendar makes Lee Square not just a place to live but a place to live well, with a strong sense of community embedded in everyday life.

However, the cooperative framework is a real tradeoff. Ownership and membership mean a shared, sometimes bureaucratic rhythm, board decisions, collective maintenance, and a culture of participation rather than a standalone landlord-tenant dynamic. Fees are described as reasonable, but they are part of a broader financial commitment that’s not present in a simple rental. Privacy is more communal than in a private condo, and residents often engage in activities or social governance that may feel optional but influence daily life. For those who want minimal oversight or expect on-site care to scale with health changes, these factors tilt toward alternatives that offer more autonomy or a formal care continuum.

Bottom line: for families evaluating options, Lee Square Cooperative stands out as a thoughtful choice for seniors who prioritize community, safety, and affordability in a location-rich setting. It excels where social life, well-kept grounds, and convenient access to theaters, shops, and parks matter most. The strongest reservations will be for those who want private autonomy with little governance or require a built-in care pathway. Pros offset cons for the right resident; the best next step is to tour with questions about current membership terms, governance practices, and current activity calendars, then decide whether the cooperative model aligns with long-term plans and health expectations.

Robbinsdale, Minnesota, offers a variety of conveniences and amenities for seniors looking to settle in the area. With several places of worship such as Elim Church Center and Westminster Presbyterian Church nearby, residents can easily practice their faith. Additionally, there are multiple pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS within a short distance for easy access to medications and healthcare needs. The neighborhood also features beautiful parks like Twin Lake Beach Park and Loring Park for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. For socializing or relaxing over a cup of coffee, cafes like Caribou Coffee and Dunn Brothers Coffee are within reach. In terms of medical care, there are hospitals like Regency Hospital and Hennepin County Medical Center close by, as well as physicians' offices for routine healthcare check-ups. When it comes to dining options, the area boasts a range of restaurant choices from Big Louie's Bar & Grill to Taco Bell for a variety of tastes. Overall, Robbinsdale presents a well-rounded community with numerous resources that cater to senior living needs.

Places of Worship

• Elim Church Center (0.4 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (4.5 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• HyVee Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.2 miles)
• Park Nicollet Clinic (3.3 miles)

Parks

• Twin Lake Beach Park (1.4 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (3.6 miles)
• Boom Island Park (3.8 miles)
• Loring Park (4.4 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (4.7 miles)
• Mill Ruins Park (4.7 miles)
• Gateway Dog Park - Off-Leash Play Area (4.7 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (4.5 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (4.8 miles)
• Angel Food Bakery & Coffee Bar (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Regency Hospital (2 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (4.9 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (4.9 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (6.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Big Louie's Bar & Grill (2.2 miles)
• Pub 42 (2.2 miles)
• Tony Jaro's River Garden (3.1 miles)
• Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge (3.2 miles)
• Pryes Brewing Company (3.4 miles)
• Inbound BrewCo (3.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.7 miles)

Physicians

• Northwest Family Physicians PA (2.6 miles)
• Whittier Clinic (5.6 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (5.6 miles)
• Partners In Pediatrics (6 miles)
• Eye Care Center (6.2 miles)
• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (6.3 miles)