Pi Day Celebration | March 14th from 2pm-4pm
When: March 14th, 2026 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Lobby)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Pi Day Celebration & Open House
Join us for pie on 3.14 and get a tour of our urban, active 55+ community now with an expanded memory care. As if eating pie isn’t sweet enough, new residents who move in before May 31, 2026 will save $3000!*
For more information or to RSVP: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
Sips & Sweets Soirée | Saturday, February 28 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm
When: February 28th, 2026 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Lobby)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Sips & Sweets Soirée
Join us for a Sips & Sweets Soirée. Bring a friend and enjoy wine, sweet treats, and great company.
Even sweeter, ask us about our limited-time move-in special, or how you can earn a $2,000 rent credit if your friend moves in before May 31, 2026.
For more information or to RSVP, contact Lia: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
Planning for End-of-Life: Health Care Directives & Much More | March 4th from 4pm-5pm
When: March 4th, 2026 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Activity Room)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Planning for End-of-Life: Health Care Directives & Much More
(part of the Learning & Living Well With Dementia speaker series)*
Learn about essential documents to help individuals clarify priorities, maintain personal control, and support meaningful conversations.
About the Speaker: Valerie J. Richards, MBA | Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach:
Valerie J. Richards, MBA, empowers caregivers and families to live well through dementia, aging, and end-of-life transitions.
Learn more about Valerie at familieswithdementia.com
RSVP appreciated as space is limited: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
*A Speaker Series brought to you by Abiitan Mill City featuring Valerie J. Richards, Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach.
View all upcoming events in this speaker series here:
- February 4th: Effective & Encouraging Communication with Dementia
- March 7th: Planning for End-of-Life: Health Care Directives & Much More
Effective & Encouraging Communication with Dementia | Feb. 4th from 4pm-5pm
When: February 4th, 2026 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Activity Room)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Effective & Encouraging Communication with Dementia
(part of the Learning & Living Well With Dementia speaker series)*
Explore practical communication strategies to reduce stress, minimize challenging behaviors, and improve quality of life for individuals with dementia, their caregivers, and families.
About the Speaker: Valerie J. Richards, MBA | Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach:
Valerie J. Richards, MBA, empowers caregivers and families to live well through dementia, aging, and end-of-life transitions.
Learn more about Valerie at familieswithdementia.com
RSVP appreciated as space is limited: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
*A Speaker Series brought to you by Abiitan Mill City featuring Valerie J. Richards, Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach.
View all upcoming events in this speaker series here:
- February 4th: Effective & Encouraging Communication with Dementia
- March 7th: Planning for End-of-Life: Health Care Directives & Much More
Share the Warmth | December 1st - 31st
When: Weekdays 9am – 5pm; Weekends 10am – 4pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (near the tree in the Lobby)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Share the Warmth — We are collecting new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for local charities and to help keep our neighbors warm.
STOP BY & GET A TOUR
We are collecting new hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves for local charities and to help keep our neighbors warm. Drop off items in the “Share the Warmth” box located near the tree in our lobby.
Our receptionist is ready to greet you weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m.–4 p.m. in December.
Plus, every Wednesday 9 a.m.-noon our Senior Living Consultant is available for tours (or simply call to schedule your own personal tour at a time that works for you).
For more information, contact us at: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
Aging Well Resource Fair | Jan. 10th from 10am-Noon
When: January 7th, 2026 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Activity Room)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Aging Well Resource Fair — brought to you by Abiitan Mill City
Aging should be celebrated but sometimes health concerns and change can feel stressful and overwhelming. We’ve pulled together some of the best resources on aging well in the Twin Cities.
Keller Williams Realty | Kay Grobel: Specializing in helping older adults through the home selling process with the compassionately trained Katey Bean & Company team.
Rose’s Daughters | Sharon Kadet: Offering comprehensive senior move management services, specializing in personalized planning, downsizing, packing, and settling into a new home.
CLEAR SPACES ORGANIZING | MISSI MCKOWN: Helping people decide what to keep or let go of with compassionate guidance and hands-on decluttering, organizing, and support with a focus on creating more peace in their home and mind.
Next Chapter Insurance Agency | Julie Ell: Helping older adults understand Medicare plan options, costs, and challenges a person may experience along the way.
Chandler and Brown Ltd. | Jack Austin, Attorney: Supporting clients as they prepare for health care needs and plans to pass on family wealth to the next generation.
Twin Cities Care | Jonathan Rosenberg: Guiding individuals and family members as they navigate and find senior housing for their loved ones.
California Closets | Kay Grobel: Assisting homeowners and renters to maximize their space with creative, custom, and accessible storage solutions to maximize your space and ensure everything is within reach.
Ecumen Hospice | Joel Brand: Helping provide comfort-care as well as emotional and spiritual support for families and their loved ones nearing end of life.
Limited parking available in our underground lot (enter alley behind building, pull up to door, and call posted number to be let in). Street parking also available.
For more information, contact us at: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
Learning & Living Well With Dementia (event 3 of 3) - Navigating Dementia: Managing Stress, Making Joy & Finding Meaning | Jan. 7th from 4pm-5pm
When: January 7th, 2026 from 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Activity Room)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Living Well With Dementia — (event 3 of 3 in the Learning & Living Well With Dementia speaker series)*
Event 3: Navigating Dementia — Managing Stress, Making Joy & Finding Meaning
Explore ways caregivers can reduce stress and find purpose and joy in their journey.
About the Speaker: Valerie J. Richards, MBA | Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach:
Valerie J. Richards, MBA, empowers caregivers and families to live well through dementia, aging, and end-of-life transitions.
Learn more about Valerie at familieswithdementia.com
RSVP appreciated as space is limited: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
*A Speaker Series brought to you by Abiitan Mill City featuring Valerie J. Richards, Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach.
Join us for three powerful conversations on dementia, caregiving, and community support.
View all events in this speaker series here:
- November 5th: Living Well With Dementia: Caring, Coping & Community
- December 3rd: Decision-Making With Dementia: Capacity, Choice & Advocacy
- January 7th: Navigating Dementia: Managing Stress, Making Joy & Finding Meaning
Learning & Living Well With Dementia (event 2 of 3) - Dementia Decision-Making & Advocacy | Dec. 3rd from 4pm-5pm
When: December 3rd from 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Activity Room)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Living Well With Dementia — (event 2 of 3 in the Learning & Living Well With Dementia speaker series)*
Event 2: Decision-Making with Dementia: Capacity, Choice & Advocacy
Learn how cognitive changes affect decision-making and how to support dignity and autonomy.
About the Speaker: Valerie J. Richards, MBA | Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach:
Valerie J. Richards, MBA, empowers caregivers and families to live well through dementia, aging, and end-of-life transitions.
Learn more about Valerie at familieswithdementia.com
RSVP appreciated as space is limited: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
*A Speaker Series brought to you by Abiitan Mill City featuring Valerie J. Richards, Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach.
Join us for three powerful conversations on dementia, caregiving, and community support.
View all events in this speaker series here:
- November 5th: Living Well With Dementia: Caring, Coping & Community
- December 3rd: Decision-Making With Dementia: Capacity, Choice & Advocacy
- January 7th: Navigating Dementia: Managing Stress, Making Joy & Finding Meaning
Learning & Living Well With Dementia (event 1 of 3) - Caring, Coping & Community | Nov. 5th from 4pm-5pm
When: November 5th from 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Where: Abiitan Mill City (in the Activity Room)
Address: 428 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Living Well With Dementia — (event 1 of 3 in the Learning & Living Well With Dementia speaker series)*
Event 1: Caring, Coping & Community
Discover how understanding dementia helps us better support individuals, caregivers, and families.
About the Speaker: Valerie J. Richards, MBA | Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach:
Valerie J. Richards, MBA, empowers caregivers and families to live well through dementia, aging, and end-of-life transitions.
Learn more about Valerie at familieswithdementia.com
RSVP appreciated as space is limited: liahamilton@ecumen.org | 612-378-0020
*A Speaker Series brought to you by Abiitan Mill City featuring Valerie J. Richards, Alzheimer’s Educator & Family Coach.
Join us for three powerful conversations on dementia, caregiving, and community support.
View all events in this speaker series here:
- November 5th: Living Well With Dementia: Caring, Coping & Community
- December 3rd: Decision-Making With Dementia: Capacity, Choice & Advocacy
- January 7th: Navigating Dementia: Managing Stress, Making Joy & Finding Meaning
Senior Living – Creating Community in Spite of COVID
Senior Living – Creating Community in Spite of COVID
If you have spent much time around Mill City, you might have noticed a gorgeous, boxy building between the Stone Arch Bridge and the Guthrie Theater. It is nice to look at, with a dramatic black trim that starkly contrasts the tan and grey brick, the slate-colored siding, and the many recessed balconies. It looks like any other upscale condominium or apartment building – which is not far from the truth. This is Abiitan: a residential living space for people who are 55 and older
I was lucky enough to spend a little time with Sue Lee, the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer of Ecumen, Abiitan’s parent company, and she gave me the run down on this stunning facility. We talked about everything: the facility itself, the way that Abiitan is dealing with COVID on both operational and personal levels, and Lee’s high opinion of Abiitan’s residents.
It should not surprise you to learn that the inside of Abiitan is every bit as nice as the outside. The building includes comfortable, contemporary, independent living spaces as well as state-of-the-art assisted living and memory care facilities. Abiitan truly has something for everyone. The property, which opened in 2016, feels modern, accessible, and trendy. Its bar/restaurant, café, and gym, are respectively classy, cozy, and full of high-tech machines.
Abiitan’s fresh aesthetic alongside Ecumen’s long history as a successful care provider makes for a winning combination. Ecumen “has a legacy of more than 150 years…[and is ] one of the country’s largest nonprofit providers of housing and healthcare services,” Lee says. The organization is “committed to exceptional care, advocacy for those it serves and employs, equality, and inclusivity.”
Of course, neither its beautiful facilities nor its historic legacy could shelter Abiitan’s staff and residents from the ramifications of COVID, but because Ecumen took the pandemic seriously from the beginning, when I ask Lee how the pandemic impacted residents, her first thought is of local business closures.
“Each of Ecumen’s communities has a long-standing commitment to helping residents stay connected,” Lee explains “At Abiitan, those connections sometimes reach beyond the walls to downtown arts and cultural centers, dining and recreational activities. Those activities outside the community have been curtailed during this period.” Residents, many of whom specifically chose Abiitan because of its close proximity to favorite Minneapolis touchstones, have been sad to see favorite dining establishments close and nearby theaters go dark during this time.
From the beginning of the pandemic, Abiitan has worked hard to provide safe opportunities for residents to engage with artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities that are no longer available in the surrounding area. “Abiitan’s wonderful community partners have found innovative ways to bring music, lectures, classes and other opportunities to residents virtually, via technology,” Lee says, “Across all of Ecumen’s communities, more than 23,000 virtual and in-person visits have been scheduled with the help of technology. The resilient spirit of our community members has been completely inspiring.”
Abiitan has also helped residents maintain social connections safely through the pandemic. “Outdoor visits from friends and family were enjoyed all summer and through the fall and we introduced a Connection Station, a 3-sided plexiglass booth that allowed those residents who have challenges wearing masks the opportunity to see their loved ones.”
In addition to the visits from friends and relatives who do not live at Abiitan, Lee has noticed the Abiitan community growing stronger. “We’ve seen that this time has brought residents together more than ever before – as they reach out by phone to connect and support one another,” she says, “One group of independent living residents has regularly sent beautiful, hand-crafted cards to residents in memory care, to remind them that they are part of a caring community. There are so many innovative ways to safely share stories and make new friendships.”
The tight-knit community at Abiitan is a direct result of the residents, who Lee is routinely impressed by. “We have a truly outstanding community at Abiitan – it really is a place where interesting people do interesting things,” Lee says, “We have socially conscious residents…Some are artists and educators, others come from business.” Abiitan is an exceptional place to live, not because of the amenities, but because of the strong community built by the hands and hearts of each resident.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Lee made a point to remind me how important it is for everyone to stay connected to the people they love. Residents at Abiitan are already excelling at giving the “gift of connections”, as Lee calls it. Giving that gift is something that the rest of us should strive to do for our family and friends as well.
We can all benefit from Lee’s final words of advice: “Stay safe and stay connected.”