Benedict Court: An Assisted Living Success Story

Benedict Court is a 28-unit assisted living facility for seniors located on the St. Benedict's Center campus in St. Cloud, MN.

Benedict Court, a 28-unit assisted living community on the St. Benedict's Center campus in St. Cloud, Minn., opened its doors on March 1. By the first part of August, all units were leased. "Our marketing consultant told us it would take a year and a half to fill. We were delighted," says Mary Jean Schlagel, administrator of alternative services for St. Benedict's Center.

Why have area senior citizens responded so enthusiastically to Benedict Court? Schlagel outlines three reasons. "First, St. Benedict's Center has a great reputation. Secondly, GLTA's design is very attractive. And thirdly, the kinds of services and amenities that we offer really appeal to those seniors who are no longer able to live alone but are not interested in a nursing home."

"Benedict Court, an assisted living community, is an ideal interim step between the independent apartments and the nursing home," explains Project Architect Dan Tideman. Schlagel reports that residents range in age from 80 to 98, with an average age of 86. Benedict Court offers a variety of services which enable residents to live independently. "It is an affordable and positive alternative to a nursing home," Schlagel declares.

Schlagel describes the building as having a residential scale and a welcoming appearance. "The building is very appealing, especially with a bay window in every apartment. The open commons areas encourage residents to socialize," she says. She also says that the apartments are very "home-like" and include a full kitchen.

Schlagel praises the quality of service provided by GLTA. "They listened to what we wanted and came up with a variety of options," she says. GLTA has worked on many projects on the St. Benedict's Center campus, including independent apartments, two homes for adult day care and a home for Alzheimer's care. "We work with GLTA because they understand seniors and come up with creative ideas for addressing their needs," concludes Schlagel.