Overall sentiment in the reviews for The Pillars of Prospect Park is predominantly positive, emphasizing a modern, well-appointed community with robust programming and a caring frontline staff. Many reviewers highlight the building’s design and amenities — light-filled apartments with large windows, tasteful public spaces, and a variety of on-site features such as a library, modern exercise room, craft room, beauty salon, movie/entertainment room, underground parking, and attractive outdoor spaces including atrium decks, rooftop lounging and firepits. The location near a light rail stop and retail is frequently noted as convenient. Multiple reviews reference the community’s newness (opening May 2020), its sustainability elements, and the institutional collaborations (Oppidan and Ebenezer, and programming ties with the University of Minnesota) that enhance educational and intergenerational opportunities.
Facilities and amenities are repeatedly praised for offering a five-star or boutique-hotel ambiance. Dining is commonly described as excellent by many reviewers — words like gourmet, fine dining, delicious, and creative culinary department recur — though a minority of reviews directly contradict this and describe food quality as poor. Activity offerings are extensive and varied: gardening groups, biking and hiking clubs, book groups, lectures, exercise classes, concerts, theatre outings, field trips, art and music programming, and lifelong-learning opportunities. The community is described as learning-focused, health-conscious, and highly active, with staff and programming that invite inclusive participation for residents of differing abilities.
Staff quality is a major strength cited across reviews. Numerous comments emphasize empathetic, professional, and accommodating staff — from CNAs and nurses to maintenance, dining, and administrative teams. Leadership visibility and responsiveness are frequently mentioned; specific individuals (for example, Jay Benedict and leaders named Griffin and Melisa) draw praise as problem solvers and trusted caregivers. Reviewers recount smooth transitions into the community and describe staff as listening to residents, treating them with dignity, and supporting family members through change. Intergenerational interactions (childcare center on-site and university student involvement) are noted as a distinct positive that contributes to vibrancy and cross-generational engagement.
Despite the strong positives, there are recurring and serious concerns that should not be overlooked. A subset of reviews levels grave criticisms at management and aspects of care: allegations include unresponsive or dismissive upper management, a money-driven focus on public appearances, and instances of substandard personal care (residents left wet or soiled), with some reports tying lapses to urinary tract infections. These negative accounts also mention staff being overworked and inattentive at times. The contrast between overwhelmingly positive descriptions of frontline staff and more critical assessments of administration suggests variability in experience — many praise on-the-floor caregivers while some call out systemic leadership and staffing challenges. COVID-19 is also referenced as having slowed occupancy and imposed restrictions that affected programming and the move-in experience.
Patterns in the reviews indicate that most residents and families experience The Pillars of Prospect Park as a modern, engaging, and well-run community with strong frontline caregiving and rich activities, while a smaller number of reviewers encountered troubling management or care shortfalls. Dining, activities, environment, and intergenerational programming are consistent strengths. The most salient risks flagged by reviewers are management responsiveness, staffing levels/overwork, and specific reports of care neglect; these are issues that prospective residents and families should probe further during tours and discussions with leadership. In summary, The Pillars is widely seen as an attractive, active, and compassionate community with high-quality amenities and programming, but due diligence is recommended to assess management practices and consistency of personal care delivery given the serious nature of the negative claims.
