At English Rose, we believe that home is more than a place: it’s a feeling.
It’s comfort, beauty, and connection. When someone you love requires 24/7 care, the last thing you want is to isolate them from the people and experiences that matter most. That’s why we expanded our award-winning residential care model to Minnetonka, creating a new assisted living residence designed to nurture body, mind, and spirit.
Our Commitment
Oak Ridge, nestled on a quiet tree-lined street just off Highway 169, is a continuation of everything families have come to expect from English Rose:
- Beautiful surroundings
- Expert care
- Deeply personalized support
With just six residents, a 1:3 staff-to-resident ratio, and 24-hour care from well-trained caregivers and experienced nurses, Oak Ridge reflects our commitment to offering the most attentive and human-centered assisted living services possible.
“It starts with the basics,” explains Oak Ridge Home Manager Zach Parlier.
“Delicious home-cooked meals, medication management, and daily housekeeping. But then we do everything we can to keep each resident’s world as large as possible — with daily movement, meaningful routines, wellness support for their individual hobbies and interests, and fostering a sense of community.”
Holistic Care Approach
This level of engagement requires thoughtful coordination among caregivers, nurses, and enrichment specialists. “Operationally, it’s a complex care model,” notes CEO Joshua Wert. “But it’s worth it.”
Families often notice that residents in homes like Oak Ridge in Minnetonka, which combine clinical support with whole-person programming, experience improved well-being and a reduced reliance on medication.
The addition of assisted living bridges a natural continuum of care.
English Rose already offers home health care services for those who want support in the comfort of their own home, and residential memory care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments. Oak Ridge provides something in between — for those who value independent living but benefit from day-to-day assistance and amenities in a supportive and enriching environment, specifically catering to senior care needs.
A Home with a Story
Oak Ridge is also a home with a story, one that reflects English Rose’s roots and values.
The property was originally the childhood home of CEO Joshua Wert. Built by his mother, Lois Berman, in 197 and designed by Edina-based modernist architect Arthur Dickey, it was created with one purpose in mind: to support a vibrant life at every stage.
“I wanted a home that would be practical to grow older in,” Berman explains, “but I also wanted it to feed my soul.”
With its clerestory windows, warm walnut walls, and intentional floor plan, the home was ahead of its time — many of its original features now echo today’s best practices in designing for independent living and aging in place.
Preservation and Innovation
In collaboration with Christian Dean Architecture and Dovetail Renovations, English Rose carefully preserved and enhanced the home’s original beauty while converting it into a welcoming, fully accessible residence.
Six private main-level suites anchor one wing of the house, separated from the common living area by a two-story atrium that fills the home with light, making it an ideal senior living environment.
Generous outdoor space, modern amenities, and strong connections to nature, along with community engagement and a focus on wellness, provide additional comfort and sensory nourishment for residents.
“We believe people’s lives are enriched when they’re surrounded by inspiration,” says Julian Menne, the project’s lead designer.
“By honoring the original architecture and layering in contemporary elements that support aging well, Oak Ridge offers residents a truly special place to live.”
The result is a warm, welcoming environment where residents feel safe, known, and empowered — a place to continue living with purpose.
If you’re exploring options for a loved one who needs assistance but still wants to maintain a rich and connected life, learn more about our assisted living care approach or contact our admissions team to schedule a tour of our Minnetonka location, Oak Ridge, or another English Rose residence.
If you’re exploring options for a loved one who needs assistance but still wants to maintain a rich and connected life, learn more about our assisted living care approach — or contact us to schedule a tour of Oak Ridge or another English Rose residence.
