Franciscan Villa

Pros

• It is pretty to look at.
• The exterior is beautiful.
• The property is well-maintained.
• Most of the residents and staff are great.
• The manager is very helpful when there is a problem.
• This is a great apartment to live in, especially for those getting back on their feet.

Cons

• The building is infested with bed bugs, roaches, and mice.
• The infestation is so bad that it's a problem in government housing and pest transfer when tenants move out.
• The place is very dingy, poor in quality, and unclean.
• The management is described as pathetic for a building meant to help low-income residents.
• There are thieves on the premises and the management does nothing; there are no cameras or adequate security.
• It has been described as a meth hotel where people shoot up in the corridors and in the elevator.
• The elevator and common areas stink of stale urine and grime; the place needs a serious overhaul.
• The background checks and deposits are mishandled, with delays and poor responsiveness from management.

Review

The place in question is a government-subsidized, low-income housing building that used to be an old hospital and has since been converted into living spaces on a fairly busy street. Some reviewers describe the exterior as pretty and the neighborhood amenities as convenient - it's right near downtown, with familiar stops like a long-running restaurant, a Mexican grocery, a Dollar General, and the county courthouse within easy reach. For visitors, the parking around back is often noted as being less crowded, making it a practical option if you're trying to avoid crowds or busy streets. On the positive side, several residents highlight the building's history and claim the exterior maintains a certain charm, with a sense that it's a solid, well-located option for those who need affordable housing.

However, a substantial thread through many reviews is the pervasive pest and cleanliness problem. Numerous comments allege that bed bugs, roaches, mice, and a host of other pests are a constant presence, regardless of how tidy an individual unit might be. Some reviews even imply that the problem is systemic and that tenants moving out may unintentionally transfer pests to new tenants, a concern voiced in the context of why some people worry about "pest transfer." The sentiment is reinforced by complaints about odors and general grime, with several former or current residents describing the building as dingy or unclean and noting that infestations and filth feel inescapable at times. It is not unusual to read warnings that if you don't already have pests, you might eventually encounter them after moving in, no matter how well you maintain your own space.

Management and staff are a central source of both praise and tension in the reviews. On the plus side, several people commend specific staff members - most notably a manager named Austin - who are described as helpful, accessible, and practical. They are praised for being fair, letting tenants handle more themselves, and for taking issues seriously when they arise. A few residents report that gains have been made since management changes, with improvements in safety, cleanliness, and the enforcement of rules. Conversely, other readers recount negative experiences with management, including accounts of shouting, unhelpful responses, or a general sense of being ignored. Some note delays with routine processes, such as background checks and deposits, including a frustration with a $99 deposit that allegedly leads to long waiting times and unreturned calls. There are also mentions of security lapses, including stories of theft or misdirected deliveries and the absence of cameras or reliable monitoring, which contribute to a perception that the property can feel unsafe at times.

Safety concerns extend beyond interior maintenance to the broader living conditions. A recurring theme is the sense that the building, while offering affordable housing, can feel like a high-risk environment at times. Reported issues include theft and vandalism, the presence of needles in the parking lot, and the perception that some residents or visitors engage in drug use within the premises. Some reviewers describe the building as a "meth hotel" or liken it to a place where people go to drink or do drugs in public areas or hallways, which contributes to a sense of disorder and insecurity. Others insist that the property can be safe and well-managed, but the undercurrent of these safety concerns is strong and influences how prospective tenants weigh the pros and cons.

Living arrangements and amenities paint a mixed picture as well. The building is described as having studios and one-bedroom units, with some tenants reporting large units and others noting more compact spaces that sometimes lack full kitchens or traditional cooking facilities. In some accounts, residents appreciate features like in-unit cable and included utilities, while others lament the absence of practical conveniences such as a dedicated mail room, easily navigable delivery procedures, or clearly labeled apartment numbers for deliveries. The in-building features cited include a soda machine, a lounge, an elevator, stairs, lost-and-found, and a set of back-area seating with designated smoking spaces, though there is mention of an apparent inconsistency or conflict with the "no smoking" policy, which adds to the overall sense of confusion around the rules. Some people also recount a willingness to stay because of affordability and the sense of community, while others emphasize that the property feels outdated and in need of an overhaul, with stale odor and a general sense of neglect.

People who have lived there or visited for short periods describe a spectrum of experiences. Some call it a good, if imperfect, place for people who are trying to get back on their feet, highlighting the affordability and the perceived stability that the building can provide during transitional phases. They note that the staff and residents can be friendly and respectful, and that the location offers reasonable access to services, groceries, and downtown areas. Others have harsher memories: a home being robbed with insufficient response from management, hallway behavior that makes residents feel unsafe, and a sense that the building can resemble a 1920s-influenced environment more than a modern apartment complex. There are also mentions of experiences that vary widely over time, with some praising "nice management" and others recalling incidents that made them feel the place was not safe or well-run.

All told, the overall impression is complex: the property has tangible potential and real appeal for budget-conscious tenants who want proximity to downtown amenities and a historic, repurposed-hospital setting. Yet the same reviews consistently flag serious concerns - pest infestations, cleanliness issues, uneven management responsiveness, and safety worries - that weigh heavily on any assessment. Several narratives acknowledge improvements after management changes, suggesting there is momentum toward a better, safer, and cleaner living environment. For anyone considering living there, the message is clear: the pros are affordability, location, and a sense of community, while the cons loom large and demand due diligence - inspections, questions about pest control, clarity on smoking and safety policies, and a careful conversation with staff about how problems will be handled once you move in.

This part of Springfield, Missouri, is a convenient and well-equipped area for senior living. With several hospitals and physicians within close proximity, residents have easy access to medical care. There are also plenty of pharmacies nearby for medication needs. The neighborhood offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual to upscale, as well as cafes for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. Places of worship are easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Parks provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation, while the close proximity to the Downtown Airport allows for convenient travel options. Overall, this part of Springfield provides a supportive and vibrant community for seniors looking to settle down in a comfortable and accessible area.

Hospitals

• Cox Medical Center-North (0.5 miles)
• Emergency Department North (0.5 miles)
• Cox North Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Sgoh Acquisition (2.4 miles)
• Bayless Automotive Companies (2.9 miles)
• Mercy MRI (3 miles)
• St John's Regional Health Center (3 miles)

Physicians

• Rex Eugene Taber, MD (0.5 miles)
• Pratibha Agarwal, MD (0.5 miles)
• Krishnendu Ghosh, MD (0.5 miles)
• Coxhealth (0.5 miles)
• Mark Edward Stewart, DO (0.5 miles)
• Bethesda Medical Care (0.8 miles)
• QPS Bio-Kinetic (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Sonic Drive-In (0.7 miles)
• Lindbergs (0.7 miles)
• Cafe Cusco (0.8 miles)
• Springfield Brewing Company (0.8 miles)
• Kai (0.8 miles)
• Black Sheep Burgers | Shakes (0.9 miles)
• Rocco's Pizza (1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Fashioned by Jaye (0.8 miles)
• Midtown Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Family Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Ethic (0.8 miles)
• Mudhouse (0.9 miles)
• Gailey's Breakfast Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Ziggie's Cafe (2.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Solid Rock Church (0.9 miles)
• First & Calvary Presbyterian Church (1.4 miles)
• Grand Oak Baptist Mission Center (2.6 miles)
• Jefferson Ave Baptist Church (2.7 miles)
• Messiah Lutheran Church (3.2 miles)
• Servicio De Educacion CRSTN Springfield (3.2 miles)

Parks

• Phelps Grove Park (2.2 miles)
• Bark Yard (3.8 miles)
• Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden (3.8 miles)
• Nathanael Greene Park (3.8 miles)

Transportation

• Downtown Airport (3DW) (2.9 miles)