Moving can be draining – emotionally, physically and socially. But residents moving into Marvella, a new senior living community in Saint Paul’s vibrant Highland Bridge development, are finding their new home living up to the meaning of its name: marvelous, wonderful and extraordinary!
Debra and Dennis Dorgan are among the first to know. “We absolutely loved our home of 20 years, so it was going to take something special to make a move tolerable for us,” said Debra.
“We’d been anticipating this for so long,” added Dennis, “that we were overjoyed when the first box came in.”
“I feel at home,” Debra observed. “This place is here at the right time for us. We are so fortunate.”
The Dorgans say they love most everything about Marvella, including the community’s “newness,” its connections to the city of Saint Paul, its location near the Mississippi River, as well as the opportunity to build relationships with their new neighbors.
Marvella’s appeal goes beyond their apartment itself to the many amenities and options offered through the campus and the broader Highland Bridge neighborhood. “The things nearby are super appealing,” stated Debra. “We’ve very excited to see the water features of the building, and the kids at the skateboard park.”
“It [the skateboard park] is a very human thing that just adds real appeal,” Dennis remarked.
Having options also gave the Dorgans greater peace of mind. “We have the ability to access other services, if we need to,” Debra noted. “Our move has solved a lot of problems for us. Life changes, and you have to plan for that.”
Chandler Hulke, Marvella campus administrator, makes a point to meet each new resident. “We are excited to welcome the residents to this gorgeous community,” she said. “Even more, we are excited to have them experience the many social, emotional, physical and inspirational benefits that come from ‘living your story’ at Marvella.”
Hulke looks forward to welcoming Highland Park residents Gus and Marilyn Bjorklund who are planning to move in early December. Like the Dorgans, the Bjorklunds also love Marvella’s newness, amenities and features. They quickly bring up the new appliances, premium-grade countertops, full-size bathrooms and ample closet space in their apartment. They also like the heated indoor parking, and Marvella’s wellness options such as the fitness center, pool, sauna and more. Stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline and Mississippi River also complement their new home.
Highland Park has been the Bjorklund’s home for more than five decades, so Marvella’s location was a significant attraction. “Marvella is in our neighborhood,” Marilyn declared. “We’re only six blocks away [from their longtime home], so we can do everything in our neighborhood.”
Convenience also weighed heavily in the Bjorklunds’ decision.
“Everything in our [Marvella] apartment is now on one level,” stated Gus. “We’re in a house where there are three levels, and as we get older, it’s a little harder to get up and down the stairs. With our laundry right off our kitchen, we don’t have to go downstairs anymore to wash and dry clothes.
“In the winter, it’s kind of hard to socialize, to get out and about,” Gus shared. “Now we won’t have to worry about getting outside; we’ll have a lot of friends right here, with plenty of opportunities to socialize without having to drive anywhere.”
Marvella, located at 825 Mount Curve Blvd., is owned and operated by Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS), the nation’s fourth largest nonprofit senior living community provider. Marvella is comprised of two separate buildings, connected by a pedestrian skyway.
The 825 Mount Curve Blvd. building — also known as “Terrace 1” — includes 102 senior independent living apartments, 40 assisted living apartments, and 40 memory care apartments. Terrace 2, located across the street at 820 Mount Curve Blvd., is slated to open in January and is the companion property. That building includes 118 independent living apartments.
Designed for seniors seeking an active lifestyle, Marvella is conveniently located within walking distance to retail, parks, walking paths along the Mississippi River, a medical clinic, grocery stores, public transportation and more.
Marvella offers its residents a continuum of housing options and care services. Together, these living options, all within one senior living community, accommodate smooth transitions as the care needs of residents change, minimizing disruption to their daily lives.
Marvella incorporates a number of pleasing and practical amenities, including a pool, locker rooms, wellness center (fitness room and aerobics), bistro, dining rooms, club lounge, theatre, conservatory gallery, salon, community room/chapel, a dog spa and underground parking.
Outdoor amenities include grilling stations, a multipurpose lawn, Gazebo, casual seating, and raised garden beds for resident gardening.
Ryan A + E, Inc. – the architect for the community – describes Marvella’s design as “a timeless exterior with a high-quality blend of stone, brick and stucco paired with elegant interiors for residents and guests to enjoy.” Ryan Companies US, Inc. is Marvella’s general contractor.
Marvella incorporates many earth-friendly features, including electricity from 100 percent carbon-free and renewable sources (solar array); LEED Silver Certification; stormwater collection and on-site treatment; LED light fixtures; Energy Star appliances, electric vehicle charging stalls, bicycle storage rooms, and more.
“We’re interested not just in sustainability over the short-term but in providing benefits in the long-term interests of our guests,” affirms Lisa Albain, senior development manager of Senior Housing Partners, PHS’ development arm.
Marvella extends Presbyterian Homes & Services’ presence in the community as a place of good health, vitality and well-being for seniors while being part of a non-profit, Christian based organization that accepts all faiths.
“Marvella exemplifies what the next generation of seniors are looking for – communities with engaging amenities that are close to restaurants, retail and green space,” said Steve Strom, vice president of real estate development, Ryan Companies. “We appreciate Presbyterian Homes’ partnership, and we’re excited for the opening of Highland Bridge’s first senior living community.”
For both the Dorgans and the Bjorklunds, Marvella represents the freedom to live well.
To learn more about Marvella or to schedule a tour, visit our website or call: 651-344-2000.
