Philip Benjamin Tower in St. Petersburg, FL

Pros

• Layla was wonderful.
• Residents greatly appreciate Layla.
• LaLa Thomas is professional, warm, and welcoming, a true asset to PBT.
• The property feels comfortable and safe, with management that works hard to address requests and care for the property.
• BJ the manager knows her stuff and is awesome.
• Ms. B.J. is great.
• The staff are helpful, friendly, and willing to help, providing peace of mind.
• The community is affordable for low-income seniors on a sliding-scale rent program and is a great community.

Cons

• There were problems with the elevators and mold from hurricanes.

Review

Philip Benjamin Tower in St. Petersburg is best suited for independent seniors who want an affordable, socially active, centrally located apartment community with hands-on management and a strong sense of safety. The building earns high marks for staff accessibility, security at night, practical conveniences, and a calendar full of activities that keep residents engaged. The presence of a bus for shopping and appointments, a 24-hour desk, and a responsive maintenance culture make it a solid choice for those who prize peace of mind and a budget-friendly path to independent living. Long-term residents underscore the stability and community feel, including residents who have lived there a decade and still speak highly of the environment. For seniors who prioritize affordability on a sliding-scale rent program without demanding on-site care, PBT delivers real value in exchange for the trade-offs that come with an older building.

However, not every senior will find this the right fit. Alternatives should be considered for those who need regular on-site care, more predictable elevator reliability, or a newer, less issues-prone property. The reviews note maintenance quirks and a history of elevator problems and even mold linked to past storms. While the staff is praised for responsiveness, the building’s age means residents must tolerate occasional maintenance delays and environmental concerns. Families seeking a pristine, turnkey experience or a facility with comprehensive healthcare services on site will likely want to explore other options that emphasize higher-end finishes, newer construction, and more predictable mechanical systems.

The strongest positives pivot on people and practical amenities. The assistant manager, LaLa Thomas, is consistently described as professional, warm, and a genuine asset, someone who makes moving in smoother and creates a welcoming atmosphere that translates into daily reassurance for residents and their families. The property’s management team, often highlighted as knowledgeable, capable, and hands-on, keeps up with requests and upkeep, reinforcing a sense of reliability. Residents emphasize a long-standing staff commitment, with names like Bj the Manager and other familiar faces becoming a dependable constant in daily life. The building’s approach to safety, round-the-clock desk coverage, pull cords with monitoring, and proactive check-ins, creates a quiet confidence that help-seeds in the community stay connected and secure.

Yet the negatives cannot be ignored. Elevators that fail or require attention and the lingering concerns about mold from hurricane events mark real drawbacks for anyone who values flawless infrastructure. These issues are not dismissed; they reflect the realities of an aging property and a climate that tests public housing assets. The question becomes whether the favorable factors, staff dedication, resident camaraderie, accessible transportation, and an active social calendar, offset these drawbacks. For many residents, they do, because the problems do not undermine the core benefits: safety, independence, affordability, and a lively, neighborly environment. For others, especially those who require flawless mobility infrastructure or who are highly sensitive to environmental quality, these cons may tip the balance.

In comparison to other options families may consider, Philip Benjamin Tower often stands out on value and community. It appeals to budget-conscious seniors who still want programming and social connection, with ample opportunities to stay busy, card games, bingo, movie nights, and concerts, plus convenient amenities like a library, a computer room, and laundry facilities. The central location and turnkey services, such as a bus line and 24-hour desk, translate to lower stress for families managing a loved one’s transition. For those who prioritize a trusted core team and a stable neighborhood where residents quickly form friendships, PBT delivers more than enough to justify the trade-offs.

The prudent approach is to use this review as a decision framework: consider independence as the guiding goal, budget as a hard constraint, and tolerance for building-age maintenance as a variable. Prospective residents should schedule a tour, meet the assistant manager and the on-site team, and talk with current residents about daily life. Confirm the status of elevator reliability and any mold-related concerns, and verify the sliding-scale rent terms to match personal finances. Check the schedule of transportation and activities to ensure it aligns with everyday needs. If safety, community, and affordability with a real sense of place matter most, Philip Benjamin Tower will emerge as a compelling choice; if the priority is flawless infrastructure or on-site medical care, alternatives deserve consideration.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• All Children's Obgyn Specialists (0.2 miles)
• St Anthony's Hospital (3.8 miles)
• Bayfront Health St. Petersburg (4.4 miles)
• All Children's Hospital (4.5 miles)

Physicians

• Allergy Associates (0.6 miles)
• Bay Area Family Practice (0.7 miles)
• Retina Vitreous Associates (1.3 miles)
• Pediatric Health Care Alliance (1.3 miles)
• Pasadena Eye Center (1.4 miles)
• Bay Area Medical (2.4 miles)
• Central Neurology Sleep Disorders Center (3 miles)

Restaurants

• Chuck E. Cheese's (0.6 miles)
• Dead Bob's (1.1 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1.5 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish (1.9 miles)
• Casita Taqueria (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Bandit Coffee Co. (2.7 miles)
• Mazzaro's Italian Market (2.7 miles)
• Bula Kafe (2.8 miles)
• Kristina's Cafe (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)

Parks

• Northwest Park (1.4 miles)
• Azalea Park (1.7 miles)
• Treasure Island Beach (3.7 miles)
• Roser Park (4.5 miles)
• Crescent Lake Park (4.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ The Cornerstone (3.8 miles)
• Allendale United Methodist Church (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Park Place & RPX (4.6 miles)
• AMC Sundial 12 (4.8 miles)