Franklin Street Apartments
Located in the heart of Allentown the Franklin Street Properties are minutes away from all the best that Buffalo has to offer.The Elmwood and Allentown village is a beautiful and diverse community filled with mom and pop shops where you’ll find everything you need from fresh veggies at the Lexington Co-op to beautiful art work from one of our many galleries. And the night life is great. Whether you’re looking for a night of live music, dancing at one of Buffalo’s hottest clubs, or perhaps some reading in a quiet coffee house it’s a short walk away.
Our Apartments – Medical Campus Apartments / Allentown / Downtown Buffalo
Strathman Manor
Strathman Manor is our newest property at the corner of Allen and Franklin.
Hiram Day Mansion
Our most historic property, our renovation of this building won an award for historical significance.
Bishop Manor
Another historic property, Bishop Manor combines luxury, affordable living with historical significance.
Tibbit House
The Tibbit House at 449 Franklin is a tremendously great property right in the heart of Allentown.
The Ardmore at 44 N Pearl
The Ardmore at 44 North Pearl is a 22-unit building in a great location!
About Us
Franklin Street Apartments is an award-winning company dedicated to providing not only exceptional apartments but also outstanding customer satisfaction. We strive to ensure every resident feels right at home.
Owner & Background
Don Gilbert, Owner and Operator of Franklin Street Apartments, was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Athletics played a major role in his early life. He was a student-athlete at Bennett High School in Buffalo, NY, where he earned numerous awards in football, basketball, and baseball.
His achievements earned him induction into both the Harvard Cup Hall of Fame and the Bennett Sports Hall of Fame.
Don continued his athletic career at the University of Buffalo, where he was a three-sport athlete. As an Academic All-American quarterback for the Buffalo Bulls Division 1 football team, he earned the opportunity to play professionally for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League.
During the off-season, Don remained in Buffalo, earning a Master of Science in College Student Personnel from the University of Buffalo. During this time, he also coached and provided counseling to many Buffalo high school students.
After retiring from professional football, Don joined the University of Ottawa in 1971 as an Assistant Professor and Head Coach of their football team. In 1975, he led the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees to their first national championship, the Vanier Cup.
Return to Buffalo & Business Ventures
Don eventually returned to Buffalo to raise his family. He worked in sports media as a color commentator for the Buffalo Bills and held sales management positions with WBEN 930 AM, WJYE 96.1 FM, and Delta Sonic Car Wash.
During this period, he began investing in real estate, acquiring properties including 44 North Pearl, Bishop Manor, and 449–451 Franklin Street. In the past decade, he also purchased Hiram Day Mansion and Strathman Manor.
Don is deeply passionate about historic preservation and restoration, dedicating himself to returning his properties to their original architectural beauty. In 2012, he received an award from the Buffalo Niagara Preservation Board for his restoration of Hiram Day Mansion. He currently serves on the Buffalo Historic Preservation Board.
Honors & Recognition
Don has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including:
- University of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame
- University of Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame
- City of Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame
Additionally, his 1975 University of Ottawa national championship team has been inducted into both the University of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame and the City of Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame.
Current Life
Don currently resides on the premises of Franklin Street Apartments at 455 Franklin Street.