Experience for yourself the quality of Cook Development

Cook Development has created a vibrant senior living environment that is truly unique to the area. Our focus extends beyond basic health requirements and is centered on the holistic approach of meeting the mind, body and spiritual needs of our residents by providing an enriching lifestyle that includes:

Boating and fishing on Lake Gibson, Gardens for quiet enjoyment or active participation, Large covered verandas with comfortable seating for reading, relaxing, and visiting, Gourmet meals served in an elegant dining room overlooking the historic theatre, Elegant lobby with a piano and wine bar for socializing with friends and family, Yoga, stretch exercises and an equipped exercise room, Intergenerational activities, Guest lecturers, Card and puzzle room, Library and book discussions, Religious study, Shopping and dining excursions.

We offer residences that cater to your needs. Whether you choose a studio, one bedroom or two bedroom apartment, each will be appointed with your comfort and safety in mind. Private bathrooms with safety rails, kitchenettes for light cooking or full kitchens for those who love to cook, wireless call systems, Internet and cable television, housekeeping service, linen and laundry services and more.

With elegant surroundings, a professional and friendly staff, gourmet meals prepared to your liking, and apartments that are ideally suited for your needs, we know that you will feel right at home at Lake Gibson Village. For additional information, we invite you to contact us today.

Originally constructed in 1923 by Walter Hardesty, The Riviera Hotel was a members only club for the elite of the South. This elegant structure played host to some of the most influential people of that time by offering choice accommodations, activities and nightlife. Despite its immense popularity, the Great Depression took its toll on the landmark hotel and in 1948 its owners sold the hotel to Charles Ballistic who converted it to the Trocadero Club and ushered in another era of immense success with the addition of an elite nightclub.

Although the hotel remained open over the years, the building gradually lost its luster and was eventually closed because it did not meet building code standards. In 1998, Doug Cook of Cook Development purchased the hotel for the sole purpose of restoring it to its original state of beauty and grace. Cook Development took great care in renovating this Holly Hill landmark to preserve its architectural integrity and rich history, while ensuring that it met current building standards. The interior of The Riviera was gutted and major renovations were done on the building’s plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems. The original elevator, arch doorways and windows were brought up to code and an additional, larger elevator was added in a more central location. The original 150 rooms were converted into 62 two-room suites and 14 one-room suites that are more comfortably designed to meet the needs of current residents.

Today, after 80 years, Cook Development has brought back the Riviera Hotel as the Riviera Assisted Living Residences, a 76-room facility complete with an enormous and elegant living room, dining room, activity room, library and patio reminiscent of the Victorian era and the old Riviera Hotel.

Recognizing the immense need for senior living housing choices in Lake Alfred, Doug Cook purchased the building to restore it to its original status as a central point of the community. Cook Development invested heavily in the renovation of what is now the Southern Gardens assisted living facility. The 71-room residence was refurbished from the floors to the roof to accommodate the needs of its residents. Each room was enhanced with an emergency call system and other safety aids to ensure the safety of residents. Community areas were also refurbished; a new kitchen, dining room, lobby, elevator, enclosed patio and reception area await new residents and visitors. Besides the interior renovations, the building’s 307 windows were replaced and adorned with stucco-covered frames.

In addition to the renovations, fresh paint and interior decorations give the senior living community the serene feeling of home. The renovations made by Cook Development helped to restore the heart of the city and make it into a place that all residents can be proud to call home.

Each luxury condominium features oversized balconies, premium appliances, walk-in closets, oversized master showers, recessed kitchen lighting, cultured marble bath vanity tops and much more to appeal to the comfort seeker in us all.

Residents also delight in the ease of amenities such as a 55-foot heated oceanfront pool, spa, clubroom/lounge, poolside fitness center, game room and secure underground parking.

And who can forget the miles and miles of majestic shoreline that lie just feet from residents’ doorsteps?

In addition to all of the recreational activities available for residents’ rest and relaxation, other convenience amenities are available to accentuate the luxurious life at St. Kitts. Bike storage and common area restrooms on the pool level are available for the convenience of active residents and visitors.

The true lure of St. Kitts lies in its luxurious condominiums. St. Kitts’ lavish living area offers 2,325 to 2,600 square feet of ocean front luxury. All units are accented with majestic 10 to 11 foot high ceilings, granite counter tops, crown molding in the foyer and all formal areas, recessed kitchen lighting, pre-wired surround sound system, walk-in showers with glass block and luxurious whirlpool tubs in the master baths.

Inside, you’ll find nothing but the best: a beautifully equipped kitchen with granite counters, spacious windows and glass doors for panoramic views, designer tile, air-conditioned walk-in closets, a networked media center, and more distinctive appointments.

Step outside, and you’ll find a complete private world: two sparkling oceanfront pools and spa, gazebo and grill, heated indoor pool, billiard and club rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Your underground parking is assigned, the elegant lobby has restricted access, and three elevators speed you to upper floors. Everything is provided for superb living and absolute security. St. Maarten, a great escape, a lifetime home.

The design inspiration for the tile of Marbella, beautiful sea, comes from the façade of Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) in Salamanca. Built in 1490, the house features more than 400 carved scallop shells, which appear throughout Spain as the symbol of St. James and his pilgrims. The House of Shells, owned by a knight of the Order of St. James, is an example of the Isabelline style, combining Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar elements.

The Bella Vista symbol, the striking sunburst tile, was inspired by a wooden inlay door in the Iglesia de San Pedro in Seville. There the great painter Diego Velazquez was baptized in 1599. The church’s origins are even older, reaching back to the 14th century, and this latticed sunburst is a vibrant, masterfully executed Moorish pattern.

The luxury and quality of Bella Vista are regal indeed. Arriving at the grand entrance, you know you are entering a special and privileged world, where no detail of elegant living is overlooked. Tropical landscaping, oceanfront pool and spa, elegantly detailed residences, customized kitchens, private balconies with breathtaking views, a fitness center with spectacular ocean vista: this is your rich Florida home that the rich Florida setting deserves.

Poised gracefully on the sun-kissed, Florida coastline, Palma Bella offers the kind of amenities that are sure to please even the most discriminating resident. Breathtaking ocean vistas. A heated oceanfront pool and spa. Welcoming terraces. Colorful courtyards. And an average year-round temperature of 70 degrees. Come inside and you’ll see that we’ve spared no expense – elegantly appointing each condominium home with the kind of luxurious details that not only say you’ve arrived, but invite you to stay.