Looking Glass Apartments, LLP is a local, family owned apartment community in Gainesville, FL. Our managers are professional, friendly, and on site in the office every day. The apartment complex itself is made up of 108 units—primarily two bedroom/two bath—which spread several city blocks just north of the University of Florida’s Library West. Many apartment communities claim to be “close” or “across the street” from campus, but Looking Glass has the important distinction of being the closest to most UF classrooms as well as having the most luxurious apartments on the north side of campus where most student activies take place.

Our managers have over 30 years experience in property management, and as anyone living at Looking Glass will tell you, their commitment to the satisfaction of each resident shines through. Unlike many places where the manager’s smile disappears as soon as you sign the lease, at Looking Glass we are responsive, courteous, and friendly all year long. To prove this to you, you are welcome to come by the office and we’ll arrange to have you talk to any of our current residents about their stay with us.

Here is a little more about the managers that work in our onsite Looking Glass office:

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Nancy Mason Babb

Nancy has been a property manager in Gainesville for the past twenty six years and joined Looking Glass in 1997. She is a Realtor, a sustaining member of the Junior League and a graduate of Leadership Gainesville. She loves cooking, power walking, dancing, reading, and traveling with her husband (lucky for her he’s a retired naval aviator who continues to fly!)

At some apartment communities, one person will show you an apartment and say anything to get you to sign a lease. Then (s)he disappears and you have to deal with someone else after move-in. At Looking Glass, if Nancy shows you an apartment, you can count on Nancy being there in the office year round to answer any questions or work with you on any issues that may come up.

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Shirley Edelstein

Shirley has been a property manager with Looking Glass Apartments since early 2008.

Shirley came to Looking Glass Apartments with several years experience in commercial leasing. Her strengths are in the area of public relations and communication, as you will sense when speaking with her. Shirley is pleased to be working with university students and hopes to make them feel right at home at Looking Glass Apartments.

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Harold Benka

Harold is head of maintenance at Looking Glass Apartments. He has 25 years of carpentry experience, was a master plumber, and was Lead Carpenter and Foreman for several construction companies before settling at Looking Glass.

When he's not keeping Looking Glass running smoothly and looking great, he enjoys swimming/scuba diving, fishing, camping, and being outdoors.

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George Emmanuel

George was a property manager at Looking Glass from 2002 to 2007 and now handles special renovations and other projects. His wife and kids are all University of Florida graduates so he understands a good bit about college life at UF. In his spare time he is the treasurer of Kiwanis of Gainesville and secretary of the Antique Outboard Motor Club.

George used to own a construction rental company and a hardware store before “retiring” to Looking Glass.

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What Others Say

We take great pride in making sure our residents are happy and satisfied. Below are just a few of the notes people have sent us about staying at Looking Glass. In fact, we encourage you to drop by the office and let us assist you with speaking to any current residents you see to ask them about us.

Longer testimonials can be read by clicking here or here.

“Thank you for all of your help during our move in time. Between the air conditioner and the locks, we appreciate all your time and caring. We hope you enjoy the cookies as a small token of our gratitude”
–Hilary & Kristin (D12)

“Sorry for the delay in writing but just couldn’t let time go by without saying thank you so much for all your help in Lauren’s new apt. You found a wonderful roommate match—the 2 Laurens! Please accept this Starbucks gift card as a small token of appreciation.”
–Linda (Lauren’s Mom)

“With all of the different places that I have lived, I tend to judge apartment complexes on first impressions. You certainly made a positive one! You were very accommodating and helpful with my list of many questions – you made my choice to live here an easy one.”
–Jennifer (A33)

“In this day and age where property rental is frequently a cold and impersonal business, Nancy adds a fresh breath of warmth and charm. When we made our decision to come to Gainesville, we were troubled by the prospect of finding a pleasant place to live in a short period of time. Of the many properties we visited, only Nancy made us feel like we were not just another member of a faceless stream of prospective tenants. She has a personal touch which immediately makes you feel welcome and at home. She exudes an atmosphere of hospitality and friendliness, while still managing to remain professional and businesslike at all times. Looking Glass itself offers numerous amenities, from its ideal location, to its attractive buildings, but one cannot discount the services of a professional and courteous staff, without whom even the most appealing of buildings can quickly become intolerable”
–William and parents (F22)

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