116 1st Ave NW, New Prague, MN 56071
To contact a resident: (952) 758-4610
For more information about senior living options: (866) 208-4318
Overall Review of Philipp Square
Pros
They liked everything about Philipp Square.- They could do anything they wished to do for activities.
Cons
The place is horrible.- Barb ASP charges residents for wear and tear.
- The facility has many rules that take advantage of the elderly.
- The complex has only one elevator, making it hard for handicapped residents when it breaks.
- Barb blamed everything on tenants and did not refund the full down payment after cleaning.
- Barb is described as a horrible person who exploits the elderly.
- Philipp Square has a long waiting list.
- Residents at Philipp Square must bring their own furniture and appliances.
Review
Philipp Square in New Prague stands out for seniors who prize personal control over their living environment and can tolerate a slower, more individualized onboarding process. This community appears best suited for highly independent residents who want to furnish and decorate their own space, set their own rhythms, and pursue a flexible, self-directed social life. The upside is a venue where residents can bring their own furniture and appliances, coupled with a notable degree of freedom in choosing activities and daily routines.
Those weighing alternatives should note who may want to look elsewhere. For seniors needing reliable hands-on assistance, predictable daily support, or consistently responsive management, Philipp Square may fall short. A long waiting list compounds this concern, delaying access to care or a settled move-in, which can be a critical drawback for families with a tight timing window. In addition, prospective residents should compare with nearby options like Mala Strana, which some reviewers cited as offering better overall handling of transitions and more robust engagement opportunities, to ensure a fit with expectations on service and atmosphere.
On the positive side, the facility’s approach to autonomy is appealing. The option to come in with one’s own furnishings and appliances reduces moving stress and allows immediate personalization of space. The environment is described as capable of supporting broad, self-directed activities, a feature that can keep engaged seniors mentally and socially active without imposing rigid programming. The ability to set one’s own agenda and pursue individualized interests can offset the absence of a formal, regimented activity schedule for residents who value self-direction over structured programming.
However, significant drawbacks temper those advantages. The most vocal concerns center on accessibility and reliability: an elevator serves only one way to access upper floors, and one account alleges the elevator was out of service for four months in a year. For residents with mobility limitations or visitors who rely on smooth vertical transport, this is a material risk that can influence daily living, safety, and adequate access to essential areas. The severity of such an outage is magnified by the perception that repair timelines and contingency planning were not adequately communicated, potentially turning a welcome independence into dependence on limited means.
Financial and administrative friction adds another layer of caution. One highly critical review describes burdensome wear-and-tear charges and a dispute over a substantial portion of a down payment, with claims that reconciliation hinged on staff availability rather than fair negotiating. The tone of that account suggests a culture where customer service and transparent billing may be inconsistent, and where residents or families could feel left to navigate conflicts without strong advocacy from management. In short, the financial relationship with Philipp Square appears to require careful scrutiny, documentation, and a clear, written policy on deposits, charges, and dispute resolution before committing.
The practical takeaway is clear for decision-makers: Philipp Square can work for a specific profile, independent seniors who want to claim their space, control their environment, and tolerate the risk of limited on-site accessibility and potential administrative friction in exchange for move-in freedom and activity latitude. For those requiring dependable care, rapid occupancy, predictable maintenance, and transparent, resident-centered billing, alternatives should be explored. Prospective families should demand current maintenance histories, confirm elevator reliability, request a written policy on deposits and wear-and-tear charges, and, if possible, speak with current residents to gauge the consistency of management responsiveness. If timing is flexible and self-directed living aligns with the resident’s temperament, Philipp Square may be a workable choice; if not, there are more reliable paths to a settled, well-supported senior living experience.
Active Adult Communities (55+)
Independent Living
Is a Geriatric Care Manager the Right Choice for Your Family?
Compassionate Conversations: How to Comfort Someone Who Is Grieving
Home Health Care Aides: Understanding Their Role and Supporting Your Family