Colony Plaza Apartments

Pros

• Jennifer is friendly and a breath of fresh air.
• Amy, the assistant manager, is always friendly when contacted.
• The elevator is finally working after being down for two years.
• Things have changed for the better in the community.
• The Tenant Association continues to organize fun activities in the community room.
• The building has a full kitchen and fridge, and residents can reserve it for private gatherings.
• The housekeeper keeps the common areas clean.
• The lounge is large with a big-screen TV, and residents watch the Chiefs together.
• Each floor has four chairs, a love seat, a comfy chair, and a common balcony.
• Colony Plaza is cozy and inviting, with an amazing view of the Elms.
• The Omni bus stops at the front door every hour until 3:00 pm, a regular route.
• HUD pays around two-thirds of the rent, making this a great place to live.

Cons

• No one answers the phone and messages cannot be left.
• There is an absent out-of-office message about Kelly being away in December and January, and it's February.
• There are bugs.
• There are too many people.
• Parking spaces are not assigned.
• The management takes a parking space for a potential resident to give to the assistant manager Kelly, who receives special treatment and is the only staff member allowed to park on site.
• Residents are frequently forced to park a block or more away from the building; parking issues are not being addressed.

Review

Colony Plaza is a senior and disabled housing community that has seen both bright improvements and stubborn challenges reflected in divergent resident experiences. On the positive side, residents praise a refreshed leadership presence that has made a visible difference in daily life. Jennifer, who stepped in as manager several months ago, is described as a breath of fresh air - friendly and proactive in addressing the building's most persistent issues. Elevator reliability, long a sore point, has become a much more consistent feature, ending years of being down "most of the time." In addition to the elevator, a dedicated team around Senior and Disabled needs has taken shape, including a new person brought in to tackle 60+ residents' challenges. Amy, the assistant manager, is repeatedly noted for her friendliness and accessibility when residents call with questions. Updates on the elevator's status are provided, and the general sentiment is that things have changed for the better, with a sense that the community is listening and responding more efficiently than before.

Beyond the elevator and management shifts, the property continues to benefit from a robust in-house support and activity ecosystem. A Tenants Association remains in charge of coordinating fun activities in the community room, helping to foster a sense of neighborliness and shared purpose. The building is equipped with a full kitchen and fridge in the communal space, which residents can reserve for private get-togethers - an amenity that contributes to social connection, especially among seniors who value opportunities to gather. The housekeeper keeps common areas clean, and there is a large living room/lounge space with a big-screen TV that many residents enjoy, including regular Chiefs watch parties that bring neighbors together. Each floor is thoughtfully furnished with a table, four chairs, a loveseat, and a comfy chair, plus a common balcony - small touches that make the building feel homey and comfortable. The building is explicitly described as a senior/disabled facility, with HUD contributing a substantial portion of rent (around two-thirds), a factor that many residents find reassuring as they plan their budgets. Transportation is a key feature as well; the Omni bus runs at the front door every hour until 3:00 pm on a regular route, and the service accommodates hoverounds and walkers if a resident calls the day before, adding a practical layer of accessibility for daily activities.

Another strand of the narrative is the personal, almost cozy impression Colony Plaza can offer. One resident sums it up with a simple, emphatic note: the place is cozy and inviting, with an especially striking view of the Elms that adds to the sense of comforting surroundings. There is an affectionate appreciation for the overall ambiance - the combination of building amenities, social opportunities, and the scenic outlook - contributing to a feeling that this is a strong choice for many residents who prioritize community and ease of living in their golden years.

Yet, alongside these positives, there are sharp criticisms that cannot be overlooked. The most persistent complaint centers on communication and staff availability. A resident reports that no one answers the phone and that messages cannot be left because there is an "absent message" about Kelly not being there from December and January, with February arriving still unresolved. The implication is that new tenants are not being welcomed or adequately oriented, and that basic outreach remains unreliable. This kind of experience stands in stark contrast to the more upbeat notes about Jennifer and Amy and underscores a gap between leadership's stated improvements and day-to-day accessibility for residents seeking help.

Other issues mentioned include pests and overcrowding, described succinctly as "bugs" and "too many people." These concerns touch on maintenance and density, hinting at challenges that can impact comfort and health if not addressed in a timely manner. They help remind readers that even in communities with solid programs and caring staff, operational pressures can create persistent stress points for residents.

Parking, in particular, emerges as a major source of anxiety. The reviewer paints a detailed, frustrated portrait of insufficient and unequal parking access. They report that despite the building presenting as a private parking area for residents, there are no assigned spaces, which creates daily conflict and tension. The process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation - supposedly a path for residents with vehicles to secure parking - requires paperwork and doctor's documentation, and the manager Velma allegedly directs residents to see their doctor for this, only to delay or complicate the formalities by saying forms still need to be sent. The reviewer asserts that spaces are in fact allotted or claimed by staff for preferred residents, such as Kelly, which exacerbates the sense of unfairness. The accusation - whether entirely accurate or not - points to a perceived system where there is insufficient, clearly communicated, and equitably enforced parking. The result is a resident who recently bought a vehicle finding it nearly impossible to park near the building, often relegated to walking several blocks, a daily inconvenience that undermines the very appeal of a senior/disabled residence.

There is a stark contrast between the two arcs of experience. On one hand, a sense of progress and community-building under strong, friendly leadership; on the other, ongoing procedural and logistical hurdles that create frustration and anxiety for those who rely on predictable access to their vehicles and straightforward communication with property staff. The final sentiment captured in one late-line remark - "I have lived here for six years. It's a great place to live" - adds a nuanced note, suggesting that despite the visible trouble spots, the property retains its core appeal: a welcoming environment, enduring community ties, and amenities that support an active, social, and relatively comfortable lifestyle for seniors and residents with disabilities.

Taken together, the narrative at Colony Plaza is a layered portrait of a community in transition. The improvements in management's responsiveness, the consistent presence of a supportive staff, the array of resident-led activities, and the practical conveniences of communal spaces all contribute to a positive living experience for many. However, unresolved issues around communication, the reliability of phone access, pest and crowding concerns, and especially parking access and equity, temper that positivity for others. For anyone considering moving in, the story suggests weighing the strength of resident support, social opportunities, and transit accessibility against the realities of parking logistics and the need for clearer, more reliable administrative communication.

This part of Excelsior Springs, Missouri offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With close proximity to restaurants such as Mill-Inn Restaurant and Ventana Gourmet Grill, residents can enjoy dining options without having to travel far. Nearby places of worship like the Church of Christ and Woods Memorial Christian Church provide spiritual fulfillment. Parks like Tryst Falls Park and Sunnyside Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Access to healthcare is convenient with physicians' offices like Twin Oaks Family Care and pharmacies such as Red Cross Pharmacy within a short distance. Transportation options are readily available with nearby airports like Excelsior Springs Memorial Airport (3EX) and Excelsior Springs Municipal Airport, as well as U-Haul services for any moving needs. In the case of emergencies, hospitals such as Excelsior Springs Medical Center and Liberty Hospital are easily accessible. Overall, this area provides a blend of convenience, community resources, and natural beauty that can enhance the quality of life for seniors looking to settle in Excelsior Springs.

Restaurants

• Mill-Inn Restaurant (0 miles)
• Dubious Claims Brewery (0 miles)
• Vfw Post 741 (0.1 miles)
• Ventana Gourmet Grill (0.2 miles)
• Hunan (1 miles)
• Subway (1.1 miles)
• El Maguey Mexican Restaurant (1.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Christ (0.1 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.5 miles)
• Siloam Spring Baptist Chapel (0.5 miles)
• Woods Memorial Christian Church (0.7 miles)
• Flack Memorial (1.3 miles)
• VCU Church (5.1 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (6.9 miles)

Parks

• Tryst Falls Park (0.4 miles)
• Sunnyside Park (0.4 miles)
• Jesse James Park (6.2 miles)
• Ruth Stocksdale Park (11.4 miles)
• Northwyck Park (11.8 miles)
• Ruth Moore Park (12.3 miles)
• Clay Ridge Park (12.8 miles)

Physicians

• Twin Oaks Family Care (1 miles)
• Family Medicine Specialists of Excelsior Springs (1 miles)
• Schreier Family Medicine (1 miles)
• H Andrew Pickett (1.4 miles)
• The Excelsior Springs Clinic (2 miles)
• Lawson Family Practice (7 miles)
• Kearney Family Medicine (7.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Red Cross Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Kex Rx Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Brown Prescription Drug (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Jack W Monroe Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Monroe Pharmacy (7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (7.4 miles)

Transportation

• Excelsior Springs Memorial Airport (3EX) (1.5 miles)
• Excelsior Springs Municipal Airport (1.5 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Excelsior Springs Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• Excelsior Springs Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Liberty Hospital (11.4 miles)

Cafes

• Hammerhand Coffee (12.2 miles)