The Plaza in St. Paul, MN

Pros

• The Plaza offers amazing apartments, great service, and friendly staff, giving a resort-like feel.
• Neighbors are friendly, and the concrete construction helps with external noise.
• Elizabeth, Eddie, and Jacqueline are repeatedly described as a dream team who truly care for residents.
• Frederick is praised for taking initiative to resolve issues promptly, including painting a door and helping movers.
• Maintenance is fast, thorough, and reliable, with staff going above and beyond.
• The ice maker and water issues are resolved quickly, leaving residents happy.
• The Plaza is well-kept, clean, and welcoming, with exceptional customer service.
• The management team is professional, caring, and dedicated to resident well-being.
• The complex is dog-friendly and maintains cleanliness through responsible policies.

Cons

• The replacement was poorer in quality than the original item; they were told that was all that was available and would need to buy and install their own.
• There was an unresolved and ongoing maintenance problem with the toilet dating back several years.
• There were no handicap-accessible doors, making it difficult for a resident in a wheelchair to enter.
• The replacements were sub-par substitutions that showed they did not care about the tenants.
• The ice maker was not working but later started functioning again.

Review

The Plaza in St. Paul is best suited for independent seniors or couples who want a resort-like, low-noise living environment with exceptionally attentive on-site staff, generously proportioned apartments, and a strong sense of community. The concrete construction helps mute external disturbances, creating a calm, residential atmosphere that residents describe as quiet and well-kept. Those who prize personal attention from the team and a homey, welcoming vibe will find favors here, from the friendly neighbors to the consistently responsive maintenance crew. It reads like a place built around daily life with ease - ample living space, nice common areas, and a feel of "home" that supports sustained satisfaction.

Families should consider alternatives if the resident's needs extend beyond independent living and routine maintenance. The Plaza does not present itself as a full-service care campus, and accessibility gaps exist, including the absence of handicap-accessible entry doors, which can pose real challenges for wheelchair users. A few long-standing maintenance issues also surface in reviews, signaling that while most requests are handled promptly, some problems have lingered or recurred. For seniors who require ongoing, on-site medical or rehabilitative services, or who demand consistently flawless accessibility features, other communities with stronger on-site care options or more robust accessibility infrastructure may be a better fit.

The strongest positives here are the people and the quality of life they create. Residents repeatedly highlight the staff as the standout asset - Elizabeth, Eddie, Jacqueline, and Freddy are cited as dependable, caring, and solution-oriented. Maintenance requests tend to be addressed quickly, with many reports noting rapid responses, thorough fixes, and a willingness to go the extra mile, from replacing appliances to guiding movers and helping with logistics. The community's cleanliness and upkeep are consistently praised, and the building's quiet, well-kept environment enhances daily living. The property also earns points for being dog-friendly and for the spacious apartments that make everyday living comfortable and functional.

On the con side, a few recurring themes temper the otherwise glowing picture. A handful of repairs have taken longer than residents would like, and some replacements have been of questionable quality, requiring residents to seek alternatives at their own expense or to endure temporary inconveniences. A notable concern is the lack of accessible doors for those using wheelchairs, which can limit convenience and independence for some residents. Move-in logistics can be daunting, with reports of unpacking dozens of boxes and coordinating deliveries, though staff are often helpful in easing the process. A minority of residents describe ongoing interpersonal frustrations with others, which underscores that community dynamics can be mixed even in well-run buildings.

Still, the balance tilts decisively in favor of The Plaza's core strengths. The combination of a polished, quiet setting, highly responsive maintenance, and a staff that feels like a trusted extended family creates a durable value proposition for independent seniors who want ease, privacy, and social warmth without sacrificing quality. The building's aesthetic and practical features - large two-bedroom layouts, office space, abundant natural light, and concrete construction for sound control - translate into a reliably comfortable daily rhythm. When major cons occur, they tend to be exceptions rather than the rule, and the current management team's stability enhances predictability in service and operations.

For families weighing options, The Plaza represents a compelling choice for seniors who prize dignity, ease, and a well-maintained environment with outstanding staff relationships. It works best for residents who value independence but appreciate a responsive, friendly support network in housing, housekeeping, and maintenance. Those who demand comprehensive on-site care, universal accessibility upgrades, or guaranteed problem-free long-term maintenance should consider alternatives, or at least verify future accessibility improvements and service expansions before committing. A visit with a prepared checklist focusing on accessibility, maintenance history, and the availability of care-like add-ons will clarify fit and minimize surprises.

In the final assessment, The Plaza is a strong, practical match for households prioritizing quality of life, staff reliability, and a calm, cohesive community. It is less ideal for residents with high-care needs, significant accessibility requirements, or those who want a fixed history of flawless maintenance with no potential trade-offs. Prospects should assess personal priorities - space, social opportunities, building ambiance, and the reliability of the maintenance ecosystem - against the few documented cons. With due diligence and clear expectations, this community can be a durable, satisfying home that reduces daily friction and enhances everyday living.

This part of St. Paul, Minnesota, offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home. With several parks nearby, such as Hidden Falls Park and Lake Hiawatha Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and stay active. There are also numerous healthcare options available, including Parkway Family Physicians and Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan, ensuring easy access to medical care. In terms of dining options, restaurants like Sea Salt Eatery and Brew Hall offer delicious meals in a relaxed setting. Additionally, the proximity to pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS provides convenience for medication needs. Transportation is easily accessible with the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport just a short distance away. Overall, this part of St. Paul provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking an engaging and convenient lifestyle.

Parks

• Hidden Falls Park (1.3 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (1.8 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (2.3 miles)
• Bossen Field (3.4 miles)
• Lake Hiawatha Park (3.9 miles)
• Longfellow Park (3.9 miles)
• Central Park (4.3 miles)

Physicians

• Parkway Family Physicians (1.3 miles)
• Dermatology Consultants P.A. (3.4 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan - Viking Lakes (3.8 miles)
• Entira Family Clinics-West St Paul (4.3 miles)
• West Side Community Health Services (4.6 miles)
• Mngi Digestive Health - Eagan Endoscopy Center & Clinic (4.8 miles)
• HealthPartners Health Center for Women Clinic St Paul (5.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• WW Studio (1.3 miles)
• St George Greek Orthodox Church (2.9 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (4.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Pool and Yacht Club (1.4 miles)
• Twins Grill (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (2.5 miles)
• Sea Salt Eatery (2.6 miles)
• Stone Arch (2.7 miles)
• Brew Hall (3.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)
• Prime Therapeutics (4.3 miles)

Hospitals

• VA Medical Center (2.1 miles)
• United Hospital Joint Relacement Center (3.9 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (4.5 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (5.1 miles)
• University of Minnesota Medical Center - East Bank Campus (5.9 miles)

Transportation

• Concourse A (2.3 miles)
• Concourse C (2.4 miles)
• Delta Sky Club (2.4 miles)
• Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) (2.5 miles)
• Concourse D (2.5 miles)
• Escape Lounge (2.6 miles)
• Terminal 1-Lindbergh (2.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Groundswell (4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.6 miles)
• Roundtable Cof (4.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Inver Grove 16 (5.6 miles)