Gramercy Park Cooperative at Lake Shore Drive provides senior living for people aged 62 and up, though in some places members as young as 55 can join, and you'll find it in Richfield, Minnesota, right across from Wood Lake Nature Center, which is full of trails, boardwalks, and a wildlife shelter that some people really like for daily walks or just sitting in nature, and you get park-like views right out the window in many of the 157 homes, which spread across twelve floors. The building's made with concrete and steel for soundproofing, so things stay quieter, and every unit has its own washer and dryer, spacious rooms, eat-in kitchens, private heating and cooling, and there are options for one, two, or three bedrooms with open floor plans, and sizes running from 710 to more than 2,350 square feet, so folks have space to spread out or invite family over. The cooperative model means residents own shares in the building and have a say in how things are run, with everyone having an equal vote, and you'll notice monthly carrying fees that since they're pooled together cover mortgage, taxes, maintenance, and repairs, and Ebenezer Management Services runs things on-site, with maintenance staff handling repairs without much hassle for the residents.
There's a strong sense of community since neighbors help each other out and share values like caring, honesty, and responsibility, and residents elect a board to listen to their ideas and direct policies, so members have a real part in shaping the place, with a focus on shared resources and a say in decisions that affect daily living, plus there's a van service for trips to places like the mall or airport, along with a bus stop nearby, so getting around works pretty well. Pet owners can bring dogs or cats that weigh 25 pounds or less after paying a deposit, and the building stays smoke-free all the way through, so people who care about health and clean air can relax. Everyone gets access to in-unit laundry, a heated underground garage, large same-floor storage, digital cable, and fast Wi-Fi on the first floor, and the building connects directly to the Richfield VFW without having to go outside, which can come in handy during the winter.
Daily life can include a lot of activity with music concerts, enrichment events, tai chi or aerobics classes, game nights, and catered dinners, and the Gramercy Room stands out as a special spot where people can gather for meals and social clubs. Seniors get to use a beauty salon, grocery store, library and media center, craft room, game room, guest suites for visiting family, and a wood shop if they like working with their hands, and there's also a general store and a hot water car wash on site. The fitness center supports healthy routines, and regular programs are open to anyone interested in staying active. There are also indoor spaces for group activities or just relaxing with neighbors, plus scenic views and a pet-friendly policy that suits those who don't want to leave animals behind. Fairview Home Care has an office on-site for health support, and hospice services are available if needed, which means you can stay longer even if care needs change.
The location means you can walk to restaurants, the post office, clinics, and stores, and nearby highways or the airport are easy to get to, so family and friends might not have trouble visiting. The cooperative's set up to make daily living simple, encourage friendships, and allow everyone to be as independent as they like, all in a secure building with privacy and room to join community life if you want.
