Washington Square Apartments

Pros

• The staff is great.
• Residents are hopeful that the new management will be more compassionate.

Cons

• The building does not have enough parking spaces for residents.
• On-street parking is limited.
• The building has numerous maintenance issues due to its age.
• Many apartments have flooded.
• Holes appear in walls on multiple floors, and they are not repaired in a timely manner.
• Carpeting in common areas needs to be replaced.
• Snow removal on sidewalks and the parking lot is neglected or delayed, making it dangerous for residents, caregivers, and visitors.
• The prior housing manager was a tyrant.
• The office staff member working on 11/20 is unprofessional and has an attitude problem.
• The property needs new management.

Review

Situated in a handy location, this housing complex offers convenience in its proximity, but that advantage is overshadowed by several persistent shortcomings. Residents report there simply aren't enough parking spaces for everyone who lives there, and the on-street parking that is available is limited. The mismatch between demand and supply creates daily frustration for residents, care workers, and visitors who struggle to find a safe and reliable place to park.

Beyond parking, the building itself is described as old and fraught with maintenance issues. A number of residents say that the aging infrastructure translates into frequent problems inside individual units, with flooding being a common complaint in many apartments. Holes continually appear on walls across various floors, and repairs are not completed in a timely manner. The overall sense is that the building's condition is deteriorating, and the pace of fixes does not keep up with the problems.

The condition of the building spills into the common areas as well. Carpeting in these spaces is in need of replacement, contributing to a sense of wear and neglect throughout the property. Snow removal is another major concern: sidewalks and the parking lot are not cleared promptly after a snowfall, and in some cases not managed at all. When snow lingers or piles up, it creates dangerous conditions for residents, care givers, and visitors, increasing the risk of slips and falls during winter months.

There is also a sense of historical tension around management. The prior housing manager is described as a tyrant, and that leadership style left a lasting impression on the community. With a new manager taking over just a week ago, residents are holding out hope that the new person will bring a more compassionate and responsive approach. The prevailing sentiment is that effective, empathetic management is what is needed most to address the long-standing concerns and to restore a sense of trust and safety within the building.

Despite the numerous maintenance and safety issues, residents do give credit where it's due: the staff is described as great. There are individuals on the team who clearly care and work hard to support residents under challenging conditions. This positive note about the staff offers some reassurance that the building can improve with continued effort and proper oversight.

However, not everything is rosy on the ground level. One specific office employee, observed on 11/20, drew sharp criticism for an attitude that many residents felt was unprofessional. The person reported feeling disrespected, especially when compared to how the employee treats delivery drivers. The complaint centers on a perceived lack of professionalism and courtesy, with residents insisting that such behavior should not be acceptable in service to the community.

All told, residents feel the complex is in need of a new, more effective management approach. The combination of parking shortages, aging infrastructure, slow repairs, unsafe conditions after snow, and mixed experiences with office staff has created a sense that stronger leadership is required. While there is appreciation for the capable and caring members of the team, the overarching sense is that significant improvements in management, maintenance, and safety are necessary to restore confidence and ensure a safe, comfortable living environment for all residents, care givers, and visitors.

This area of White Bear Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a vibrant community. With a selection of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents can easily access essential services and enjoy dining options. The presence of several places of worship provides opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and connections within the community. Additionally, the nearby parks offer recreational opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. For medical needs, there are physicians and hospitals in the vicinity for convenient healthcare services. The local theater provides entertainment options for those looking to enjoy movies or live performances. Overall, this area combines convenience with a sense of community, making it a potentially attractive option for seniors looking to settle down in White Bear Lake.

Restaurants

• Cup & Cone (0.1 miles)
• Washington Square Bar & Grill (0.2 miles)
• Eat at Banning and Fifth (0.3 miles)
• The Alchemist (0.3 miles)
• Big Wood Brewery (0.3 miles)
• Rudy's Redeye Grill (0.5 miles)
• Admiral D's (0.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mary of the Lake Church (0.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (6 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (7 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (7.7 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (8.2 miles)

Physicians

• Jaksa Stephen W DDS (0.2 miles)
• Victhom Human Bionics (2.2 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (3.3 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (4.1 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (4.1 miles)
• Suburban Radiology (4.4 miles)
• Minnesota Vein Center (5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• Fairview Pharmacy Services (5.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (8.1 miles)

Parks

• Red Pine Park (2.5 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (2.8 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (3.7 miles)
• Bear Park (3.8 miles)
• Playcrest Park (3.8 miles)
• Joy Park (4 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (4.3 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (9.1 miles)