Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Luxury Apartments in Pittsburgh & Surrounding Areas
Founded in 1965 by Frank West, our company has been a family-owned leader in residential apartment management. We specialize in maintaining and restoring architecturally significant properties across Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood and surrounding communities including Butler, Oakmont, and Gibsonia. Our portfolio features over 1,000 units ranging from historic art deco buildings and Victorian mansions to modern townhouses, all blending contemporary comfort with historic charm.Our team provides 24-hour maintenance services and offers complimentary assistance with household tasks. Managed by Sara West, Caroline West, and Antonio Castracani, we combine decades of experience with personalized service to create living spaces that honor architectural integrity while meeting modern needs. Our commitment to quality has positioned us as a trusted name in multi-family residential development and management.
Services
Apartment Rentals
Townhouse Rentals
Historic Property Management
24-Hour Maintenance
Handyman Services
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1965 with deep local expertise
- Specialize in historic building restoration with modern upgrades
- Offer 24-hour emergency maintenance services
- Provide complimentary half-hour handyman assistance
- Maintain 1,000+ apartments across four Pennsylvania communities
Services
Apartment Rentals
We offer premium apartment rentals in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood and surrounding communities. Our units combine historic architecture with modern amenities including updated kitchens, contemporary interiors, and resort-style facilities. Each property maintains original features like high ceilings, hardwood floors, and stained glass while providing modern comfort.
Historic Restoration
Our historic restoration services preserve architectural integrity while modernizing interiors. We specialize in art deco buildings and Victorian-era mansions, maintaining original characteristics like fireplaces and stained glass while integrating contemporary upgrades. This approach creates unique living spaces that honor Pittsburgh's architectural heritage.
24-Hour Maintenance
We provide round-the-clock maintenance support for all residents. Our emergency service includes immediate response to urgent issues with plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and property access. Dedicated phone lines connect tenants directly to on-call maintenance teams for prompt resolution of critical concerns.
People
Sara West
Manager
Sara West brings decades of experience in residential property management, continuing the family legacy established by her husband Frank West in 1965. She oversees daily operations and strategic direction.
Caroline West
Manager
Caroline West, daughter of founder Frank West, contributes extensive knowledge of Pittsburgh's real estate market and historic preservation practices. She manages property development and community relations.
Antonio Castracani
Manager
Antonio Castracani provides operational expertise and financial oversight. With over 20 years in residential management, he ensures efficient service delivery across all Franklin West properties.
Questions
What areas do Franklin West apartments cover?
We manage properties in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood and surrounding communities including Butler (Forest Heights), Oakmont (Oakmont Landing), Gibsonia (Orchard Hill), and Fox Chapel.
Are historic buildings available for rent?
Yes, we offer restored historic properties including art deco buildings and Victorian-era mansions with modernized interiors while preserving original architectural features like stained glass and hardwood floors.
What maintenance services are available?
Residents receive 24/7 emergency maintenance support and complimentary half-hour handyman service for tasks like hanging pictures or installing blinds through local management offices.
How can I schedule apartment viewings?
Contact our Pittsburgh office at 412-661-1151 to schedule in-person or virtual tours of available units in Shadyside, Butler, Oakmont, and Gibsonia locations.
Reviews (7)
Rachel W.
Sep 03, 2021
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We recently looked at a Franklin West property that was advertised as pet friendly. It was a beautiful unit, and the leasing agent was thorough in answering all of our questions.
However, it's important for anyone considering one of these properties to understand that, for Franklin West, "pet friendly" means you are expected to keep your dog in a crate whenever you are out of the house. Whether you're running to the grocery store for 5 minutes or working a 12-hour shift, your dog is supposed to be crated if no one is home. This was a massive disappointment and ultimately
However, it's important for anyone considering one of these properties to understand that, for Franklin West, "pet friendly" means you are expected to keep your dog in a crate whenever you are out of the house. Whether you're running to the grocery store for 5 minutes or working a 12-hour shift, your dog is supposed to be crated if no one is home. This was a massive disappointment and ultimately
Amy H.
Jul 29, 2021
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Worst treatment by property owners and management I have ever experienced in 30 years of renting! Please read all the reviews about management, it is all true.
Darian K.
Jun 19, 2020
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Update: I did in fact get a notice however it did not actually state anywhere that my rent was being raised and it looked like what my regular rent was (1200) I didn't get a calculator and do the math and that's on me but it was tied into my renewal agreement, not a separate notice, and they still never let me know I was underpaying. Still kinda sneaky. I lived in a 495 sq foot apartment from may 2017 to may 2020, paid 1200 a month (at least I thought that was the right amount) and never really had an issue with the apartment itself besides overpaying for it. Management, however, is
Casey T.
Mar 31, 2020
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I've been renting with them for almost three years in two separate apartments and have had several issues with the maintenance, but most recently, they raised the rent for my apartment for the upcoming year with no explanation during the COVID-19 global health pandemic. People are sick, dying, and losing their jobs and this was their response. That alone shows you what kind of company they are. Would highly suggest renting from someone else in Pittsburgh if you can.
Becca P.
Jul 20, 2019
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I lived here for the past year and had very few issues. My apartment was super clean when I moved in. Maintenance issues were addressed quickly. I received my security deposit in full. If you read the lease thoroughly prior to signing, there should be no issues.
Hamid H.
Jul 23, 2018
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I stayed here for 3 years because the location is nice and convenient but it is a horrible management company. They will try and charge extra fees whenever possible. The accounting team is unprofessional and incompetent; she does not know how to perform her job nor keep a track of payment records. They will do everything to take your security deposit away (so ask for all your payment records before you physically move). I had to have them come stabilize my toilet every few months because it would have a leak. The buildings are old and they come put on a quick band-aid and walk away. They don
Elis H.
Dec 14, 2017
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I would give 5 stars for the front desk lady and 0 stars for the management. I always used to have a lot of my appliances broken, they used come to fix it and in one or two weeks use two broke again because they are very old. After moved I still payed my remained 8 rents and utilities and the only thing I needed just after moving is to check if I had bills and important mails in my mail box. They said: "our staff said there is nothing in your box". But I was waiting for my bills... Then in the next week I insisted again if I could have mail box checked again. The laid borrowed me the
