The Towers on Franklin, richmond-va

I’ve been living at Towers on Franklin for about 3 years now, and overall my experience has been very positive. The views are honestly amazing and one of the biggest reasons I enjoy living here. The pricing feels reasonable for the location, and both the maintenance team and front office staff have been helpful, responsive, and easy to work with whenever I’ve needed assistance. Like any community, there are a few areas that could be better. The shared spaces could be kept cleaner at times, and occasionally residents leave dogs off leash, which can be concerning. I’ve also experienced bugs sometimes and a few water leak issues, but I do want to mention that maintenance has always responded quickly and fixed things properly when they were reported. Overall, this has been a great place to call home for the past three years, and I really appreciate the views, value, and support from the staff.

(3.5 stars) I have been a resident for almost 5 years now and have signed a lease to stay another year. I love the location of the building and my apartment unit has the BEST views. There have been consistent issues with water disruption but I appreciate the transparency and proactive communication from office staff when maintenance has to occur building-wide. I recognize that issues arise and are unavoidable but am grateful that most of the time repairs are planned in advance and communicated with residents. Maintenance and office staff are quick to respond to issues and very helpful with buidling concerns. There have also been steps taken in recent months to improve community spaces, which, in my opinion, was much needed and overdue.

(I’ve been here almost two years and am still teetering on whether or not I renew for a third as I type this) After mandatory service and utility fees, I pay a total of about $1,246/mo for a one bedroom apartment. This was my first place alone, and the only one that would accept me on short notice after being dragged along for weeks by other properties in/around the city. Yes I pay seperate for laundry and it is absolutely $2 to wash AND dry, but I don’t hate it here. Bug numbers go up and down but have been regularly maintained in my time here, but have always been a problem regardless of setting my own traps. My oven goes out about once a week, my AC is regulated between heating and cooling by some far-away owner, and I have set times that I am allowed to access the package room. It is a perfect representation of renting in the city right now. The thing that has kept me here is solely due to the phenomenal front desk staff that I have endlessly bothered on issues big and small while I navigated having my own space for the first time. They have helped me in bouts of unemployment, are quick to respond for maintenance requests, and have the impossible task of explaining to brokers 20-somethings why their rent is too high even if they can’t help it directly. I have hated and loved this place, but cannot give enough credit to the custodial/office/maintenance staff for being the primary reason behind staying. I wish my oven going out once a week was enough for a rent discount but the whole building needs an appliance overhaul. To note: you NEED to inform them if you plan on leaving with 180 days notice or you absolutely will get stuck in a lease. Once again the building owners are horrendous, but the desk staff do their best to navigate renters of the constantly overvalued shoeboxes. I have enjoyed my time here and know through experience that it is not the best, but is helped by the office’s communication and general helpfulness. 5 stars if they give a good rent credit for long-winded reviews (Will update accordingly)

I’ve lived here for two years. Not the worst apartment out there; maintenance has always been responsive and very kind, and the front office staff try their best to hold nice events every month. It has served its purpose as a temporary place to live while completing schooling. The main issues are with the age of the building, and other tenants. The building operates on a very old boiler system, and you have no control over the temperature of your unit, especially during the transition to summer weather. They often leave the heat on for just a little too long. There was also a period last year where we had no AC for over a month in 80+ degree weather because there was no part to repair the ancient boiler. The only help they offered was popsicles one day in the lobby and the advice to “buy a fan.” The elevators are very frequently broken. At least one breaks every week or so. Parking at the building has a “waitlist”, but we’ve been on it (or so they told us) for over a year and not a single spot has ever opened up, so don’t count on getting parking, either. There are also a lot of pests. Roaches have decreased since they switched to a new pest control, but get used to fruit flies when it gets warm. Other tenants leave trash all over the place, and on multiple occasions i have walked into the stairwell or game room and found feces and pee on the floor. This is also the building where I have had the most packages stolen, out of everywhere i’ve lived, despite the dedicated mail room. I’ve lost at least 6 packages, to the point where i stopped getting things shipped here unless urgent. If you need a place to live close to downtown or campus, this is probably the best price you’ll find (though im sure the rent has gone up since i first signed.) just be aware it will have many downsides, like any rental in richmond. Also, while not something within control of the building, it is worth noting for anyone considering living here that the jefferson hotel across the street is kind of a nightmare for noise if you care about that sort of thing. They have leafblowers out every week at 9 am , with even more frequency the second fall rolls around. They also just started a loud annoying construction project directly across the street. If you work from home, and your unit is on the front of the building, this may not be the best.

It’s two Elevators in the building one is constantly down . If not both! Leaving me to walk up 12 flights. They always have to cut the water off for whatever repairs. Literally happens multiple times a month! Parking sucks. You can pay for a spot in the parking garage but it’s not enough spots . So you pay to park on the street or use the other parking lot a few blocks up. Idk what is going on with the Ac but in the winter , you only have access to heat and in the summer you only have access to air. I need ac all year around . But this forces me to have a fan and leave a window open. Last thing they say no smoking, but of course people smoke and it seeps into your apartment and makes the halls and staircase stink. Plus to living here , it’s downtown ! The leasing office is pretty cool as far as responding in a timely manner. Maintenance is quick as well.