As Jean Greener prepares to move into Presbyterian Homes & Services’ new Marvella senior housing complex in the Highland Bridge development, she noted that she is not just choosing a floor plan, but a lifestyle.
One of the first to sign a lease for an independent-living apartment there, Greener is leaving her long-time single-family home for the multi-unit development for residents age 55 and older. The recently widowed Greener describes herself as a “city person” and said she likes Marvella’s Highland Park location. “It feels like a city,” she said.
Greener, 80, worked for Presbyterian Homes for many years and is familiar with its history of serving older adults. “Its vision and values haven’t changed. It’s stayed focused on its mission,” she said.
She chose to stay in the Twin Cities, which has been her home for many years and is where two of her three children live. “I can visit family living in warm places if I so desire,” she said.
No longer driving due to health issues, Greener expects to use Marvella’s van service as well as public transportation to get around. Having the new Lunds & Byerlys supermarket nearby is another plus, she said.
The Marvella is the newest of 50 senior living residences in four states affiliated with Presbyterian Homes. Its two buildings in Highland Bridge are bisected by an extended Mount Curve Boulevard and are connected by a skyway. The four- and five-story buildings house a total of 220 independent living, 40 assisted living and 40 memory care units. Residents can pick from among dozens of floor plans for the one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Among the many other amenities at the Marvella are heated indoor parking with electric vehicle charging stations and a car wash bay, a fitness center with indoor pool and sauna, club rooms, a large multi-purpose room for concerts and guest speakers, a 45-seat movie theater, beauty salon, chapel, library, pet spa and dog run, and outdoor terrace with a grilling station and gas fireplace.
Around 60 percent of the independent living apartments, including all of the two-bedroom units, are already reserved, said Presbyterian Homes housing advisor Mary Hoffer. She expects the buildings to be ready for occupancy in late November.
Monthly rents range from $2,300 for one bedroom to $6,900 for two bedrooms plus den/sunroom. The prices include all utilities, cable TV and Wi-Fi. Underground parking is $75 a month extra.
The apartments have spacious, open floor plans with nine-foot ceilings, fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and laundries with full-sized washers and dryers. Most apartments have decks or balconies, and some have electric or gas fireplaces.
Meals are served in two dining rooms at the Marvella. Continental breakfasts are served in the bistro and are included in the rent.
Among the many other amenities at the Marvella are heated indoor parking with electric vehicle charging stations and a car wash bay, a fitness center with indoor pool and sauna, club rooms, a large multi-purpose room for concerts and guest speakers, a 45-seat movie theater, beauty salon, chapel, library, pet spa and dog run, and outdoor terrace with a grilling station and gas fireplace.
The Marvella’s location just south of Ford Parkway and close to shopping, restaurants and nature appealed to Macalester-Groveland residents Karen and David Lanegran. Like many new tenants, the Lanegrans are giving up their single-family home and yard for the Marvella’s maintenance-free lifestyle. They like the buildings’ design, a blend of stone, brick and stucco.
“David (a retired Macalester College professor of urban geography) is 80, and I’m not far behind,” Karen said. She likes the Marvella’s continuum of care with assisted living and memory care options should they need them down the road. “We don’t want to move again,” she noted.
Karen said she will miss having a big house where her whole family could gather and the neighborhood’s mix of ages. However, some of the couple’s friends from the college will also be moving to the Marvella, and the Lanegrans also are looking forward to making new friends there.
The sociability of a senior living community also appealed to Hugh McElroy, 84, a retired 3M executive. He said leaving his Macalester-Groveland home of 38 years was not an easy decision, but added, “If I live long enough I know I’ll become a little more vulnerable. I don’t think it makes sense to live alone when you get this old. You can get help if you need it.”
Still active, McElroy often walks along Mississippi River Boulevard, which is easily accessible from the Marvella. He chose the Marvella after a year of comparison shopping of other senior living options. He liked the wide array of amenities offered and the reputation of Presbyterian Homes.
In making his decision to move to the Marvella, McElroy admitted that he had to overcome his emotional attachment to his home. “But I’m ruled by my head and not my heart,” he said.
— Carolyn Walkup
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