Overall sentiment for Paul G. Stewart Center is mixed, with a clear split between residents who value the community, activities, and some on-site services, and those who have experienced serious operational, pest, and safety issues. Many reviews emphasize positive social and amenity-related aspects: consistent opportunities for socialization through a wide variety of activities (trips, plays, art classes, holiday events), on-site conveniences such as a grocery store and medical office, an exercise facility, movie theater, and ballroom. Several reviewers specifically note clean common rooms (media and computer rooms), a strong community feel, and staff who provided a positive move-in experience. Practical benefits such as 24-hour security, gated parking, keyless access, proximity to transit (King bus stop), social workers on staff, and reportedly nominal cost are also frequently cited as strengths.
Dining and programming are commonly praised: many residents mention good food, lunch and dinner service, and participation in programs such as Golden Diners. Activity programming appears robust with cultural and fitness offerings and social events that keep residents engaged. For mobility-limited residents, groups and walker-friendly events are noted, and the presence of an on-site doctor’s office and social workers adds convenience for healthcare coordination.
However, serious and recurring operational problems emerge as the most significant concerns. Multiple reviews report pest infestations — specifically bed bugs, roaches, and mice — affecting both common areas and apartments. These reports are among the most frequent and severe criticisms, with some reviewers describing the environment as unsafe and alleging that pest problems adversely affect resident care. Compounding the pest issue are reports that management has pressured tenants to pay for pest services out of pocket and that responses to pest complaints have been slow or inadequate.
Facility maintenance and reliability are another major theme. Frequent elevator outages are repeatedly noted and are particularly impactful in a senior living environment where mobility is a core concern. Other maintenance complaints include broken washers, doorbells, inconsistent hallway cleaning, outdated apartment interiors and appliances, and unfinished or unfulfilled remodeling promises. While some areas and units are described as renovated and well-maintained, treatment and conditions appear uneven across different buildings, leading to a mixed resident experience.
Staffing and management behavior receive polarized reviews. Several residents praise professional, timely staff and a well-managed move-in process. Contrastingly, others report rude or unhelpful office staff, indifference, bullying or intimidation of seniors, and poor communication. These interpersonal and management issues are presented alongside operational problems (maintenance delays, uneven treatment), creating a perception among some residents that management responsiveness and accountability are lacking. A few reviews do note improvements after feedback, indicating that the facility sometimes responds to complaints, but consistency is a concern.
Safety and security are also mixed. While some appreciate 24-hour security and gated parking, other reviewers report robberies, car break-ins, and general security incidents that make them feel unsafe. Transportation services also appear inconsistent: there are complaints about long waits for doctor rides and poor transportation for religious services, which affect residents’ access to essential appointments and community activities.
Value for money is a recurring question. Although some reviewers find the cost nominal and appropriate given the amenities, others feel the fees are not justified by the facility’s condition and service reliability, particularly when pests, broken elevators, and maintenance delays are present. Several reviewers explicitly advise against the facility, while others recommend it for its social life, on-site services, and sense of community.
In summary, Paul G. Stewart Center offers many attractive features—active programming, on-site conveniences (grocery, doctor’s office), social services, and some well-maintained common areas—that create a strong community atmosphere for some residents. At the same time, persistent and serious issues (pest infestations, frequent elevator failures, uneven maintenance, security incidents, and inconsistent staff behavior/management responsiveness) have significantly undermined the experience for other residents. Prospective residents or family members should weigh the active social environment and on-site services against documented operational and safety concerns, ask about current pest-control and elevator maintenance records, and visit multiple buildings/units to assess condition and management responsiveness before deciding.
