Carondelet Village Complex

This is the new senior living complex on the edge of St. Kate's campus which includes several configurations of independent living apartments and studios, assisted living, and memory units.  It's a whole community by itself.  Not yet totally completed, all of the units have been snapped up already.  Here are some of the photos of the various construction stages of development that began last spring.

The complex is described this way: Carondelet Village, a senior living community is a joint project of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province, and Presbyterian Homes & Services (PHS). One of its unique features is Carondelet Circle, a wellness and life enrichment center that includes a library, bistro, conservatory, market and gift shop, arts and crafts studios, and intimate gathering spaces that will be opening to residents and the general community over the next several months. Carondelet Circle will also host an array of holistic wellness and enrichment programs for residents as well as the larger community. PHS is managing Carondelet Village. (Carondelet Viilage website)

The Family

This particular sculpture on St. Kate's college campus by Paul Granlund reminded me of a similar sculpture I posted here in front of United Hospital.  I'll have to go back to check to see if its the same artist. 

Paul T. Granlund (October 6, 1925, Minneapolis, Minnesota - September 15, 2003, Mankato, Minnesota) was an American sculptor. His creative career spanned more than 50 years and more than 650 different works. Most of his work is figurative and made from bronze. His patrons included colleges, hospitals, Lutheran Churches, and other institutions.. Granlund received his Bachelor of Arts from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota in 1952 and his Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan in 1954. During the 1960s, he was on the faculty of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Paul Granlund was the sculptor in residence at his alma mater, Gustavus Adolphus College, from 1971 until his retirement in 1996, and maintained a studio at the institution until his death. Over 30 works are on campus, including the friezes and doors of Christ Chapel.

A Great Lady of Letters!

Maya  Angelou, this lovely woman of literature, who told us that she had just turned 82-years-old, spent an hour on stage at St. Kate's campus on Sunday afternoon, singing, reciting poetry, and telling anecdotes. She touched on racism, sexism, courtesy, and good grace. Her sense of humour is as well-developed as her writing and recitation skills. If she had stayed longer the audience who clearly adored her would have loved it.  I would have gladly remained until well after midnight; one can dream!

"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."

Maya Angelou

Campus Fountain

Although the administrators at St. Kate's college decided that a soccer field is more important than a small forest of trees and subsequently cut down about 75 large trees right behind our house, and although I haven't forgiven them for that error in judgment, there are many perks to have a college campus abutt my back yard.  The green space along the boundary line the length of  our street has been a real plus over the years. The ducks and turtles that enjoy the pond and its fountain are a pleasure to watch.  While my children were growing up, they spent hours down by the pond and frolicing on the campus grounds. I and my family of dogs have also enjoyed walks there.  Except for the tree fiasco, St. Kate's has always tried to be a good neighbor yet it's still a sore spot.

Another Bench

St. Kate's College campus abuts my backyard which had a lovely vista until the school tore down the many tall, old trees and put in a soccer field instead. I am one of the disgruntled homeowners who still mourns the loss of songbirds and various other animals that used to populate our little "forest." I do, however, still enjoy the lovely campus, and I occasionally walk my dog there, enjoying the landscape. There are several benches scattered around, such as this one that has the entrance gate and two buildings painted on it.

Church Door

Happy Mother's Day!!

St. Kate's church door looks very different during the day than it does at night.
Click here to see the difference.

St. Kate's College Chapel at Night