Saint Therese has been helping seniors for more than 40 years. This February, after years of planning and building, a new facility has opened in Woodbury.
Located on Bailey Road, the facility features a full range of senior living, including 102 independent living units, 38 assisted living units, 20 memory care units and 54 long-term or transitional care units. “This is a great area with a need for senior living,” says Angela Regan, who works in marketing for Saint Therese.
The company opened its first facility in 1969 in New Hope and expanded into Brooklyn Park about 10 years ago. Until now, it has been a mainstay in the west metro area, but with Woodbury growing as a city (meaning more older residents in need of housing and care), Regan says Woodbury made the perfect destination for a new community.
Saint Therese began leasing apartments in July 2013, when a welcome center was opened. The independent living apartments filled within one month of the groundbreaking in October 2014; however, Regan still encourages interested residents to get on the waiting list for when apartments become available. She says moving in all residents should take about two months, and the schedule will depend on need with regard to long-term and memory care residents.
In addition to housing, Saint Therese offers a Catholic environment, and holding Mass is an important part of the community. Regan says part of Saint Therese’s mission is to make faith part of the senior care philosophy.
The more active residents are also able to take part in a variety of activities. “In opening a new campus we’ll look to the residents to form the activities, but we will do things similar to our other campuses,” Regan says. The facility also features a full sit-down dining room for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The addition of Saint Therese is also a boon for the city of Woodbury, says the city’s housing and economic development coordinator, Karl Batalden. “Senior care is a huge need from a demographic perspective,” he says. “Saint Therese will play a critical role as we add more units of housing for seniors.”
Batalden says the facility will help existing Woodbury residents downsize, and also bring new residents to the area. He believes it will be a great opportunity for people with children or grandchildren in the area to move closer to family.
St. Therese is even planning to build an additional 60 independent senior living apartments on its property, separate from the current campus.
New housing such as St. Therese’s is part of the city of Woodbury’s comprehensive plan to increase housing for all age groups and types. “We haven’t always had new construction for seniors, and it is good to have more options,” Batalden says. “The more options and more choice you can provide; the stronger the community.”
As Woodbury continues to grow, the city hopes to create more opportunities for all its residents. Building new facilities like Saint Therese will help the city reach its goals.
Saint Therese of Woodbury – Community Features
- Chapel with daily services
- Bistro and club room
- Woodshop and art studio
- Beauty and barber services
- Theater and library
- Gift shop
- Guest suites
- Wellness center and massage
- Aquatic therapy pool
- Rehab therapy clinic
- Outdoor gardens and walking paths
- Transportation
- Adjacent to Bielenberg Gardens
- Close proximity to shopping, restaurants and medical services
