Merrill Gardens at Wright Park

Merrill Gardens at Wright Park sits in Tacoma's Stadium District right next to Wright Park and offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and continuing care retirement options all under one roof, so several types of residents can live in the same community and there's no need to move if care needs change. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments, as well as garden apartments, with features like full kitchens, private patios or balconies, wheelchair-accessible showers, and high-speed internet. The building is a well-maintained high-rise with a mix of natural wood, big windows, and lots of light, plus a "Sky Lounge" on the seventh floor where you can see panoramic views of Commencement Bay, Mt. Rainier, and both the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and many folks enjoy that rooftop deck or spend their time outdoors in the large patio and personal gardening areas. There's a clean atmosphere inside and out, with staff like Jackie and Peter Adams often mentioned for their friendly and helpful way, and the team's known for being warm, caring, and quick to respond to residents' needs.

The daily calendar is packed with activities, including cooking classes, yoga, gardening, and live performances, which helps everyone stay active and social, and the community often provides transportation for outings or special events. Many residents gather in lounges, bistros, or the various meeting rooms for conversation or monthly group meetings, and private events are welcome, with no extra charge for using the lounge or outside patio. Chef-prepared meals come in both formal and private dining rooms, and meals focus on nutrition, quality, and taste. Weekly housekeeping and on-site maintenance make daily living easier. The community allows pets, offers accessible accommodations for people with different mobility needs, and provides on-site urgent care.

Merrill Gardens at Wright Park is licensed for assisted living and managed by Merrill Gardens LLC, with a garden house supervisor overseeing some of the care and activities, and the whole setting feels both urban and welcoming. There's a strong focus on social engagement and building friendships, while support for memory care, hospice, respite, and help with daily activities like bathing and medication is available when needed. Prospective residents or their families can enjoy tours or virtual visits to see what daily life's like and get a real sense of the atmosphere. With staff who know residents by name and many opportunities for both privacy and connection, Merrill Gardens at Wright Park helps older adults live in comfort with the support they need and beautiful views all around.

Merrill Gardens at Wright Park is managed by Merrill Gardens.

Founded in 1993 with a single community in Seattle, Merrill Gardens has grown into one of the nation's most respected senior living providers, operating 65 communities across 17 states. As a fifth-generation family-owned company with roots extending back to the 1890s, Merrill Gardens is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and maintains the values of integrity, compassion, and excellence that have defined the Merrill family for generations. The company has expanded strategically through both organic growth and selective acquisitions, recently adding five new communities in 2024 including locations in South Carolina, Missouri, and Oregon, while maintaining its commitment to quality over quantity in expansion decisions.

Merrill Gardens offers a comprehensive continuum of senior living services including independent living, assisted living, and specialized memory care programs. Their innovative Anytime Dining program provides restaurant-style meals seven days a week, while their assisted living services include personalized care plans covering bathing, dressing, medication management, and safety checks. The company's memory care communities utilize a Montessori approach designed specifically for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, creating environments that promote independence and well-being. Through their Inspire Connection program, Merrill Gardens focuses on connection and community, ensuring residents can engage in meaningful activities that bring a sense of belonging and purpose to their daily lives.

The company's philosophy centers on their "Yes You Can" mentality, believing that life should be defined by possibilities rather than limitations. Merrill Gardens emphasizes person-centered care that celebrates each resident as a whole person, honoring their individuality and supporting their ability to make their own decisions. As innovators in the industry, they invest in technology and data-driven operations to enhance resident care while maintaining the personal touch that comes from their family-owned heritage. Their approach focuses on treating residents like family, with staff who are passionate about senior care rather than simply collecting a paycheck, creating environments where residents can live their fullest lives.

Merrill Gardens has earned significant recognition for their excellence, including being ranked #6 in the nation by Fortune Magazine as a Best Workplace in Aging Services and receiving Great Place to Work certification for three consecutive years. The company has been honored as Family Business of the Year by both the Puget Sound Business Journal and Seattle Business Magazine, recognizing their longevity, community commitment, and long-term vision. With over 2,500 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars, multiple communities have received Best of Senior Living Awards, demonstrating their consistent delivery of high-quality care and services. Their commitment to innovation and excellence has established Merrill Gardens as a leader in the senior living industry, with a satisfaction guarantee that reflects their confidence in providing exceptional lifestyle experiences for seniors and their families.