Merrill Gardens at The University

Merrill Gardens at The University is a thoughtfully designed senior living community nestled in a beautiful, tree-lined neighborhood of Seattle. This inviting residence offers both independent senior living and assisted living, providing the flexibility for residents to live how they wish while ensuring the right level of support. The community places a strong emphasis on fostering connections and maintaining a balance between independence and assistance, creating an environment where each individual can feel truly at home.

The atmosphere at Merrill Gardens at The University is warm and welcoming from the moment you arrive, a feeling intentionally cultivated by the dedicated team. The General Manager, Cheyenne Rice, leads with a heartfelt dedication to the well-being of every resident, nurturing a sense of belonging and familiarity throughout the community. Every detail of the residence is designed to make life easier and more enjoyable, from spacious, well-appointed apartments to an array of luxurious common areas and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, including a community courtyard and a patio ideal for enjoying the fresh air.

Residents at Merrill Gardens at The University can take advantage of a wide host of amenities and services, including 24-hour staffing, a resident call system, housekeeping, on-site maintenance, transportation options, and a fitness center. Pets are also welcome, making it easy for residents to bring a sense of home and companionship with them. The community’s anytime dining service ensures that meals are available when residents want them, and the dining room provides a comfortable setting to enjoy excellent food with friends and neighbors.

Living at Merrill Gardens at The University means embracing an active and enriched lifestyle. The Active Living Program Director manages a diverse calendar of activities, programs, and events that are tailored to the interests and desires of the residents, ensuring there is always something engaging on offer. Whether it’s participating in wellness programs, enjoying movie nights in the theater, exploring books in the library, socializing in common areas, or playing games like billiards or putt putt golf, residents can find fulfillment and joy in their daily routines.

The community’s prime location in Seattle offers close proximity to parks, the community center, medical facilities, shopping, and dining, making it easy for residents to access everything they need while remaining surrounded by the vibrant culture of the area. Residents are encouraged to bring along personal and sentimental belongings, further personalizing their spacious apartments and making the transition to Merrill Gardens at The University as smooth and comforting as possible. The combination of personalized care, a wide range of amenities, and an active, supportive environment makes Merrill Gardens at The University an outstanding choice for seniors seeking both independence and community in the heart of Seattle.

Merrill Gardens at The University 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.