The Grove at Countryside

Introducing The Grove at Countryside, an unparalleled senior living community

The Douglas Company is pleased to have been a part of the construction team for The Grove at Countryside, a premier senior living community in Clearwater, Florida. Designed to provide an exceptional living experience for seniors, this state-of-the-art facility offers a blend of independent living, assisted living, and memory care, ensuring that residents receive the support and amenities they need at every stage of their retirement.

The Grove at Countryside represents a significant milestone in The Douglas Company’s continued commitment to excellence in senior living construction. This state-of-the-art facility was developed in partnership with The Vestcor Companies and designed by Gary B. Coursey & Associates, Architects, Inc. It brings together luxurious accommodations, engaging amenities, and a thoughtfully designed environment to create an ideal senior living community. 

At The Grove at Countryside, every detail of the 144,841 square-foot community was carefully considered to ensure a welcoming, comfortable, and engaging environment for seniors. The three-story building, featuring wood framing and a stucco façade, provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each of the 126 residences was designed with a focus on comfort, accessibility, and elegance, ensuring that residents feel at home while having access to the services and support they need.

The community offers a variety of floor plans, allowing residents to choose the space that best suits their needs. Each unit includes modern finishes, ample natural light, and thoughtful design elements that cater to the unique lifestyle preferences of seniors.

The comprehensive selection of amenities at The Grove at Countryside sets them apart from other communities. Each one was selected and designed to enhance social engagement, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. Amenities include:

• Porte-cochere & landscaped courtyards – A grand entrance welcomes residents and guests, leading to beautifully designed outdoor spaces perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.
• Resort-style exterior pool & trellis – Offering a luxurious setting for swimming, exercise, or simply unwinding in the Florida sunshine.
• Library & theater – Designed for lifelong learning and entertainment, providing spaces where residents can engage in reading, movie nights, and performances.
• Fitness center & wellness programs – Encouraging an active lifestyle with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and wellness activities tailored to seniors.
• Salons, activity rooms & game rooms – Creating spaces for residents to enjoy hobbies, play games, and participate in group activities.
• Commercial kitchen & multiple dining venues – From fine dining to casual bites, the community offers a variety of culinary experiences, including:
  • A private dining room for intimate gatherings
  • A bistro for casual meals
  • An atrium dining room with a bright, open ambiance
  • A pub bar & piano lounge for socializing in style
• Art room & discovery room – Encouraging creativity and engagement with hands-on activities and educational opportunities.
• Electric fireplaces & intricate painted wall art – Adding warmth and artistic beauty throughout the facility, enhancing the home-like feel of the community.

With work first starting on the project in August of 2022, the construction of The Grove at Countryside lasted for just over 2 years, having received the Certificate of Occupancy in November of 2024. Construction of the community came with its share of challenges, but The Douglas Company’s expert project management and problem-solving skills ensured a smooth and successful completion. In an effort to make sure the final product would meet the intended design, The Douglas Company performed mock-ups as requested by the owner and design team, as a final design review prior to commencing work.

One of the most significant obstacles faced during the project was evolving fire marshal requirements, which led to temporary project shutdowns. The Douglas Company team worked diligently to coordinate with local officials, adapt to new regulations, and expedite necessary adjustments, minimizing delays while maintaining compliance and safety standards.

Additionally, during the construction process, the project site experienced the impact of several major hurricanes. Despite the unpredictability of severe weather events, proactive planning, precautionary measures, and resilient construction practices ensured that the building’s structural integrity and overall timeline remained intact.

By maintaining open communication with subcontractors, implementing risk mitigation strategies, and staying flexible in the face of unexpected hurdles, The Douglas Company was able to keep the project on track and deliver an outstanding final product.

Overall, The Douglas Company maintained a hands-on approach throughout construction; our team remained onsite throughout, especially the final months of construction, working closely with ownership to ensure that every aspect of the project met the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of The Grove at Countryside,” said Connor Casper, Project Manager at The Douglas Company. “This project represents our unwavering commitment to building communities that enhance the lives of residents while providing owners with exceptional value. Despite challenges along the way, our team’s dedication and expertise ensured the successful delivery of a world-class senior living community.” 

Construction Challenges and Solutions for The Grove at Countryside

• CHALLENGE 1: The Fire Marshal shut down the project on three separate occasions due to changing requirements for hydrants, access, and sprinkler systems. During each occurrence The Douglas Company Project Team and respective contractors pushed to expedite addressing these requirements to minimize impact on project schedule.
• CHALLENGE 2: Throughout the duration of construction for this senior living community, several major hurricanes rolled through Florida. By taking precautionary measures, The Grove at Countryside managed to make it through all the storms with little to no damage.

Additional Information About The Grove at Countryside

• Project Types: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care
• Project Location: Clearwater, Florida
• Number of Units: 126
• Owner: The Vestcor Companies
• Architect: Gary B. Coursey & Associates, Architects, Inc.
• Completion Date: November 2024
• Total Square Footage: 144,841 square feet
• Total Contract Value: $33.9 Million
• Amenities:  Porte-cochere, landscaped courtyards, exterior pool, trellis, parking garage, library, theater, fitness center, salons, activity rooms, game rooms, commercial kitchen, art room, private dining room, piano lounge, pub bar, atrium dining room, bistro, discovery room, intricate painted wall art, electric fireplaces, and many more.

The Grove at Countryside in the Press

• Construction Begins on $33.9 Million Senior Community The Grove at Countryside – Press Release from The Douglas Company
• Construction Taking Off at Grove at Countryside – Article from BldUp
• Construction Progressing at Grove at Countryside – Article from BldUp
• The Grove at Countryside Hosts Grand Opening Celebration – Video from Starling Senior Living
• The Douglas Company Announces Completion of The Grove at Countryside, a $33.9 Million Senior Living Community in Clearwater, Florida – Press Release from The Douglas Company

Project Photos of The Grove at Countryside

In-Progress Photos of The Grove at Countryside

Interested in Working With The Douglas Company for Your Next Project?

At The Douglas Company, we specialize in constructing active adult communities that meet the highest standards of quality, offering. The Grove at Countryside is a remarkable and visually stunning community. We are honored to have contributed to the Clearwater community by delivering a facility that not only meets the current demands for senior living but also sets a new standard for future developments in the region.

We are an industry-leading Florida commercial general contractor that has been building high-quality living communities like The Grove at Countryside since 1976. With headquarters in Holland, Ohio, and a second office in Orlando, Florida, we serve the Eastern United States with a focus in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida. We specialize in affordable and market-rate multifamily developments and the full-range of senior living communities. We pride ourselves on our commitment to consistent results, integrity, and the success of our clients and associates. We’d love to work with you on your next project. Reach out today by filling out our contact form.