We had no intention of moving into a 55+ building when les read in a local newspaper about the woodshop that is one of the amenities at the Gramercy in Burnsville. It was then that we decided to visit one of the completed Gramercy buildings. The amenities offered including the location and the prospect of a community atmosphere attracted us. Within a few months we signed a subscription agreement to join the Gramercy Burnhaven Community. Since then we have never looked back.
It is now nearly four years since we moved into our new home and it is even more exciting. The atmosphere here is warm, friendly and very supportive. Living here has provided us with a circle of friends that was difficult to build in single-family housing or a town home. Here at the Gramercy a variety of activities are provided by residents through committees. They include travel, recreational activities, community happy hours, Wednesday morning coffees and a wide variety of other functions.
When we first told our children about the Gramercy they said, “You are not ready to move into a 55+ building”. Now they are as excited about us living here as we are. They enjoy using the clubhouse that offers swimming, virtual golf, sauna, and hot tub as well as the clubroom for larger family gatherings. We truly feel that we are part of a large extended family.
-Les & Sharon
As everyone knows, Dick and I love it here. It offers everything including wonderful caring folks. Our cards friends are fun and no one takes the game seriously. My water aerobic friends are great. Good exercise and plenty of laughs. I don't understand why the men don't show up. We girls are harmless! There are many more things to do without ever leaving the building.
We are very proud of this place and love showing it off to family and friends. So the snow can fall and the wind can blow, but here at the Gramercy we are all nice, snug and warm having a good time. So let the winter come! We are ready for a good time!
-Dick & Jeanette
Our experience at Gramercy has been delightful. The staff is great and the people that live here are fun, nice and very caring.
We love everything being on one floor in our condo and also being able to just lock our door and leave for Arizona in the winter. Yes, I can't say we don't miss our view of Prior Lake but, at night when we see all those twinkling lights from Burnsville, it makes up for it.
We also enjoy the many activities such as Wednesday coffee, Friday afternoon cocktail and social hour, various card games such as Hand and Foot Canasta, 500, Texas Hold'em Poker etc. There are also many opportunities to go on trips and excursions. In other words, at Gramercy, there is something for everyone!
-Kenny & Sharon
We have lived in a house all our lives, and the thought of moving to something like this was challenging. I must say it has made a different person out of me. We have adjusted very well, and the staff here is absolutely the best and helps us in so many ways. The atmosphere, the decorating and the amenities are top-notch. I use to be a total introvert, but getting to know my fellow members of the community has totally changed me. I have joined committees and participated in social functions, more than I would have before. We spend most of the summer at our lake home. When we lived in a house, we had to worry about security, maintenance etc. Now we just lock the door and go, spend as long as we want relaxing and enjoying ourselves. When we come home, everyone welcomes us home. It is such a wonderful family like atmosphere to come home to.
-Pat & Marie
When we finally arrived at 15001 Burnhaven Drive we vowed we would like it here because we would never move again. That decision has been reinforced many times and in many ways.
Each time we attend Coffee Hour, Happy Hour or other get-togethers we meet people from different walks of life and different talents but with the same objective to enjoy life at Gramercy. There is always someone willing to chat, play cards or share ideas.
One memorable moment came shortly after we moved into our new home. We were inundated with the first snow storm of the season. We looked out and enjoyed the beauty of it knowing all the negative aspects such as clearing the driveway and sidewalks would be taken care of for us--- no worries. One of the hidden blessings which we had not thought about is the elimination of our annual disagreement regarding cleaning the garage and basement. Well, we still have the storage area but it is small in comparison---- only one or two days of not talking to each other instead of a whole week.
As we near the end of our first year at Gramercy, we say, it's been great and we expect it to continue to be so.
-Charlie & Verna
My friends have all asked me how I like my new home. My standard reply is always, "I just love it." When they come to visit me and see it, they understand why. They comment on how beautiful the building and decorating is and how lovely the grounds are and all the amenities. The lobby, business center, physical fitness center, library, parlor, and of course the lovely Gramercy Room. Also the clubhouse with the pool, hot tub, sauna, and virtual golf.
When I first started looking for a place to move to, I looked at townhomes, condos & coops, but I always kept going back to look at Gramercy, I knew this was the place for me. Now I am so happy with my decision, it is the best move I have ever made.
This is a wonderful community. All the people in our building are friendly, caring people. They all seem to want to get involved & be active. We have a lot of activities already in place and people can become as involved as they want. The Nichols Company has been most supportive in getting us settled in and helping out when any problems arise. I love living in the Burnhaven Gramercy!
-Lauriann
I shopped for several years at different senior housing, touring many different ones, and Gramercy always remained on top of my list. The Gramercy staff and all personnel are #1 on my list. Accommodating and making it to your specifications always, so enjoyable to work with. They do everything first class, & to your specification. I love my house I lived in it 42 years in Apple Valley and have never missed it since I moved here. Security, amenities, floor plan, social functions and you can be as involved as you want to be, all the people are just like friends you've known for a long time! It's great! I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but at Gramercy on Burnhaven. Thank you for letting me share my thoughts!
-Norma
Gramercy is more than a place to live for me. It is a community/family of friends.
Everything that is done here is done with class. I am so proud to bring my friends here, especially for the first time.
Many fun get-togethers have already taken place in the building. I close my door and head to the Club Room. No driving involved.
The Grand Opening Dinner was the highlight. The residents were treated like celebrities. Every detail was taken care of. It truly was a celebration of our new home and new lifestyle.
-Geri
Each of the countless cooperatives in the metro area has its own personality. This is based on location, architectural design, membership and purchasing arrangements. Some give the appearance of assisted living facilities, some as hotels and some, like our Gramercy Club on Burhaven, as resorts.
Here we enjoy the privacy and comfort of our own home.
When we step out our door we mingle with a host of friendly and supportive neighbors in beautifully furnished common spaces.
The desire for physical activity can be met with facilities such as a work out room, a virtual golf center or a year round swimming pool complete with hot tub and sauna.
The building site consists of trees, shrubs, ponds, fountains and family gathering terraces.
All of these things make for a rewarding year round resort living experience.
-Don & Audrey
We were not anticipating moving for 5-10 years from the home we built in Eagan. Les saw an article in the local paper concerning a new Gramercy to be built in Burnsville and that it would include a wood working shop. The idea of having full ownership in our unit was very intriguing and that we would also own as a cooperative, the building.
Several amenities, including the work shop, that it is maintenance free, has an indoor pool, the underground heated garage and car wash and having a Resident Services Coordinator on staff, having a secure building and mail drops were also important along with all the other amenities of a large home at the fraction of the cost, were very appealing.
After moving in we have acquired a large circle of friends through the many social events including Wednesday morning coffee and Friday Happy Hour. It is so nice to have friends in our age group and have some of the same interests.
If anything would happen to either of us, we know we would have a wonderful support system. We consider the residents here as "family."
-Les & Sharon
The Gramercy Club at Burnhaven has met my expectations of why I moved here. Living is easy and I can be as social as I want to be. There are many opportunities to meet with other residents. Many events sponsored and put-on by us residents. Still a neighborhood environment within the same building. Some outside activities like bus rides together are good opportunities to bond. The common areas including the swimming pool and virtual golf areas, eliminate the need to have them as part of your home. Finally it's great in the winter time to enter the elevator and go into a warm, non-frosted-up car. The Gramercy manage-ment here is TOP-NOTCH.
John
Coming from a large and friendly neighborhood where we lived 38 years. The building was everything we wanted, but how were the people there? We should not have been surprised. We do more now than we ever did before with all the friends that we have made since being here. Life is full of fun and friendships, and everyone is so friendly it oozes out of every nook and cranny. I don't exaggerate but just say this is "The Good Life".
Bill & Marge
We lived in the same neighborhood for forty plus years. We do not miss that big house and yard one bit. We still visit with the neighbors from time to time. We love everything about our new home, from the screened in deck to the laundry room. We have met very nice people through the social activities. It is wonderful to be able to go play cards and not have to worry about the weather. The water aerobics and fitness center are also wonderful.
Don & Donna