Welcome

The First Apartments is a non-profit residence for adults, 62 and older. We also have a limited number of units for those under 62 that are 100% disabled. The building was constructed in 1968 in cooperation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Our facility consists of 118 units in a seven story building. The majority of the units are studio apartments. There are 24 one bedroom units, and 7 expanded units available for rent as well. Please see the floor plan page for more details on unit square footage.

The building is nestled in the Seabrook neighborhood and is surrounded by area churches and local services. Our apartments feature carpeting in the main rooms, vinyl flooring in the bathroom and kitchen areas, vertical blinds, individually controlled heating/air conditioning units, and kitchens complete with a range and refrigerator.  All appliances are electric. Additionally, a storage locker is available with each apartment. Lockers are located on the main floor of the building.

Additionally, each floor has a South facing solarium with a large sliding glass door leading to a balcony for the residents to enjoy communal activities or time outdoors.  There is a laundry facility with coin-operated washers and dryers that is located on the first floor with 24-hour access, two community spaces for resident activities and a beauty salon. Parking is provided for residents in our large, well-lighted lot with security cameras.

Residents can count on having access to a staff person on the premises who can assist with problem solving needs 24 hours a day. Staff can be contacted through the main business number or by coming down to the North office door.

Application is open to all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, or national origin.

Security
The First Apartments is a restricted access building. Each resident controls who they would like to allow into the building through the intercom system located at our North door. The building also features an emergency pull-cord system with two stations in each unit. Entrance doors to the building remain locked at all times to visitors or guests.  Smoke detectors are located in each apartment and throughout the building.  Security cameras are located in the main floor lobby, meeting rooms and stairwell.

Activities
We work in partnership with Meals on Wheels in our larger activity room Monday-Friday each week to offer a lunch time congregate meal site for residents and qualified outside folks from the community. Each month there will be a wide variety of activities for residents such as educational presentations, card games, billiards and craft projects.  A selection of fitness equipment is available for resident use in this room as well. The Red Carpet Library Service from the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library comes twice a month to enable residents to keep current on their reading and check out movies.

Pets
One small pet (25 pounds or less) is allowed per unit.  Cats and dogs are required to have current vaccinations, a flea control program and be registered with the City of Topeka.

Transportation
Topeka Transit buses stop at our main entrance giving residents access to the downtown area, Wal-Mart and other parts of the city. There is a new bus stop right across the street from our front door as well.

Application
Application for residency at The First Apartments can be made at the office, just inside the main entrance on the North side. Office hours are from 8:00am- 5:00pm, Monday through Friday.  You may also download an application from this website and mail it to the business address.  Please call to schedule a tour as well if you are interested so you can physically see if the space will work for you.

If you are interested in applying for rental assistance through our onsite Section 8 program, there will be a second interview process to determine eligibility. Section 8 utilizes a combination of income, asset and medical expense third party verifications to determine the monthly rent amount for each resident. We do not offer rent estimates for applicants. 

A damage deposit equal to one month’s rent is required for each apartment. A pet deposit equal to ½ the monthly rent is required separately. These are one-time deposits not repetitive monthly payments. 

The initial lease period is for our apartments is one year.