July 16, 2025

This Site Spotlight is sponsored by The Parkwood.

Residents of a new senior living community in south Sioux Falls are saying it feels more like a boutique hotel or luxury retreat than a traditional senior living experience.

The Parkwood opened in 2024 at 85th Street and Western Avenue and has been filling up with residents who quickly have built community here.

“The response from residents and their families has been overwhelmingly positive,” executive director Nathan Kasselder said.

“The most common feedback we hear is how friendly, attentive and welcoming the staff are — from the front desk to the culinary team to maintenance.”

What truly sets The Parkwood apart is the combination of luxury, lifestyle and service — delivered in a way that feels personal, not institutional, he said.

“We’re not just offering apartments — we’re offering a hospitality-driven experience designed for today’s active, independent adults,” Kasselder explained.

“From the moment someone walks through the door, they notice the difference: bright, open spaces, modern design and concierge-style touches you’d expect from a fine hotel. Residents enjoy restaurant-quality dining, on-site wellness services, salon care, entertainment spaces and beautifully landscaped grounds — all within a secure and maintenance-free setting.”

The residences at The Parkwood are thoughtfully designed to feel like true homes — spacious, modern and filled with natural light.

The community offers 22 unique floor plans, including studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and several layouts with dens for added flexibility. Sizes range from just under 450 square feet to over 1,600 square feet, so residents can choose what fits their lifestyle best.

Each home features upscale finishes and contemporary touches such as:

• Full-size kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.
• Luxury vinyl plank flooring.
• In-unit washer and dryer and Whirlpool-brand appliances.
• Large walk-in closets and extra storage.
• Oversized windows and 10-foot ceilings for an open, airy feel.
• Individually controlled heating and cooling.
• Private balconies or spacious patios in most units.

Accessibility is also a priority, with wide doorways, step-free entries and elevator access throughout the building.

“Residents love that they get the comfort and privacy of home with the ease and convenience of community living,” Kasselder said. “These aren’t cookie-cutter apartments — they’re customized to give residents both independence and style.”

 As of midyear, The Parkwood has enjoyed steady move-ins each month. While the most popular — and largest — floor plans are near capacity, there’s still availability in a variety of layouts from studio through one- and two-bedroom units.

“Because we offer 22 unique floor plans, our inventory shifts regularly, but prospective residents are encouraged to schedule a tour or reach out for the most up-to-date availability,” Kasselder said.

“We continue to see high demand from active adults looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle with strong community engagement, so early inquiries are always recommended. We’ve seen strong response to our current promotion and have more than one dozen move-ins scheduled in the coming weeks.”

The Parkwood currently is offering new residents $500 off their base rent for the life of the lease plus one year of included evening meals offered Monday through Friday for each resident.

Because The Parkwood was designed with a high-end hospitality focus, the amenities reflect that.

 Some of the most popular features among residents include:

• Full-service dining and cafe space – Residents love the convenience and variety of chef-prepared evening meals and weekday continental breakfast served in a welcoming, social dining environment.
• Fitness and wellness studio – With instructor-led classes by Origin Strength, a treatment room and a focus on whole-person wellness, this space helps residents stay active and independent.
• Salon and spa services – A full-service salon offers hair, nail and spa treatments on-site.
• Indoor movie theater – A favorite for movie nights, live TV events and even sports-viewing parties.
• Club room and game spaces – Designed for cards, billiards and casual socializing.
• Outdoor courtyards – With walking paths, a bocce ball court, firepits and a fenced-in dog park, the green spaces are a major draw — especially in the warmer months.

“What truly sets Parkwood apart, though, is the way these amenities are tied into a lifestyle — not just listed on a brochure,” Kasselder said.

“There’s always something happening: live music, social mixers, wellness events and community gatherings. And because we don’t offer assisted living or skilled nursing, our model is focused more on active, independent adults who want to live life on their terms but have the option to utilize home health services if needed, allowing them to remain in independent living longer.”

The Parkwood partners with Right at Home in Sioux Falls for in-home care needs and assistance, offering monthly blood pressure clinics and wellness consultations.

While residents appreciate the wide range of amenities and the quality of the finishes in their apartments, it’s the community atmosphere that truly stands out.

“One resident recently said, ‘I didn’t just move into a building — I found my extended family.’ Others have mentioned how quickly they felt at home thanks to both the staff and the other residents,” Kasselder said.

“We’ve also received strong praise for the lifestyle programming. Group activities, social events, wellness classes and casual gatherings like indoor and outdoor games or happy hours have all helped people feel connected. Families often tell us they see their loved ones thriving and more engaged.”

It’s the culture that makes The Parkwood unique, he added.

 “We’ve been intentional about building a strong sense of community. Neighbors become friends, and staff know residents by name. Our team goes out of its way to create meaningful moments — from casual morning-coffee chats to larger social and special events. That human connection is something you can’t replicate with amenities alone,” Kasselder said.

“In a growing market like Sioux Falls, where many communities focus strictly on care or affordability, The Parkwood offers a vibrant lifestyle with flexibility, freedom and a true sense of belonging.”

To learn more 

The best way to learn more about The Parkwood is to come see it for yourself.

“We offer personalized tours where prospective residents — and their families — can explore the community, view available floor plans and get a feel for the lifestyle and atmosphere here,” Kasselder said.

Schedule a visit by calling 605-975-8500 or by visiting parkwoodlife.com to request information. The Parkwood also hosts regular open house events, community socials and interest meetings, which are great opportunities to meet current residents and get a true sense of what it’s like to live there. The next open house event and resident social is scheduled for Friday, July 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. RSVP today by calling 605-975-4173.

 “Whether you’re actively looking or just starting to explore your options, we’d love to connect and help you find out if Parkwood feels like home,” Kasselder said.