Virginia Apartments

People looking for an alternative to renting a unit in a big, impersonal apartment complex seek out John and Susan Prost, who offer a variety of "homes of distinction" in Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge and Ferndale.

Virginia Apartments are a group of secure, well-maintained and well-managed buildings, which the Prosts began purchasing in 1976. The Prosts offer choices that range from efficiencies, studios, and one and two bedroom apartments to one and two bedroom homes and townhouses in the nicest areas of the cities. "We consistently strive to update our properties." said Susan.

Hillary Manor, one of five properties they own on Virginia Avenue in Royal Oak, is one of their most unique Properties. It's an English Tudor style building that was build as a domitory for Royal Oak High School

teachers in the early 1900s.Several of the Prosts'older buildings, like Hillary Manor, feature architectural details like oak interior trim, beveled glass windows and beautiful landscaped grounds.

As much as they appreciate the beauty of older buildings on tree-lined streets, the Prosts realized the value of establishing a presence on the Internet, where their recently established site features vacancy listings and testimonials from happy tenants.

Networking with Chamber members is another way to find new tenants. "We've gotten a lot of referrals that way." said Susan, mentioning a call she received from someone she received from someone in St.Louis who was transferring to the area and got Prost's name from a Chamber member.