Gibson Plaza

Pros

• Tavarus consistently stays calm under pressure and defuses tense situations with residents.
• He is friendly, helpful, and a pleasant, kind gentleman at all times.
• He represents Gibson Plaza to the fullest as a diligent, customer-focused building manager.
• The staff, including Tavarus, Norman, and Renny, are very attentive to the needs of older residents.
• The service is excellent and residents feel well taken care of.
• The building is well maintained, attractive, and conveniently located near downtown Coconut Grove and the Metrorail.
• The area has improved over the years and, while not crime-free, does not experience more issues than the average Miami neighborhood.

Cons

• Some residents have encountered Miami apartment managers who run the gamut of awfulness - from indifferent and uneducated to slick and unscrupulous.
• The area is still a work in progress, implying ongoing issues or limitations.

Review

Gibson Plaza in Coconut Grove stands out as a welcoming option for those seeking a well-kept, 62+ living environment, and much of the positive impression comes from its standout building manager, Tavarus. A casual look at the property quickly turned into a firsthand sense of how seriously the team takes resident care. From the moment you step onto the grounds, the demeanor and professionalism of Tavarus leave a strong, lasting impression.

Tavarus' customer service skills are described as paramount. He has a knack for defusing tense situations and keeping his cool under pressure, never letting his temper show and always remaining pleasant. Residents note that he moves through his duties as a kind, well-dressed gentleman who represents Gibson Plaza to the fullest. In moments when a resident might feel heat or frustration, his calm approach and thoughtful responses make him stand out in a field that can sometimes feel all sales and little substance.

The contrast with experiences in other parts of Miami is practically part of the narrative. Many reviewers recount encounters with apartment managers who are indifferent, slick, or even unscrupulous. In that context, Tavarus feels refreshingly real - an intelligent communicator who provides real information rather than a polished sales pitch. The result is a friendly face, a great attitude, and a level of assistance that goes beyond the surface to help people understand what the building and the neighborhood offer.

For anyone considering a 62+ living arrangement in Coconut Grove, meeting Tavarus is highly recommended. There's a strong sense that he will take good care of you. He appears to genuinely care about the residents and the community he serves. The building, meanwhile, is attractive and well maintained, with a location that's convenient to downtown Coconut Grove and the Metrorail, which adds to its appeal for both current residents and future movers.

The property itself is described as well maintained and attractive, a place that invites people to take a closer look. Some reviewers caveat that Coconut Grove is still a work in progress, which is reflected in a four-star rating. Still, the sentiment is that the area has evolved significantly over the years and now offers more to do and enjoy than in the past. Most reviewers feel the crime level is no worse than the average Miami neighborhood, and they see the ongoing improvements as a reason to explore what the area has become.

Beyond Tavarus, the staff at Gibson Plaza earns appreciation for their attentiveness. One reviewer simply called out the "nice friends" in the building, while another noted that "My mom has been living here since this place opened." The care from Tavarus, along with Norman and Renny, is highlighted as especially important for an older population whose needs can be demanding. The sense is that the team works to ensure comfort, safety, and responsive service, which is exactly what families hope to find in senior housing.

All of these impressions come together in a personal decision that many readers can relate to: moving a loved one into a place that feels like home. The glowing notes about the staff - Tavarus in particular - underscore a belief that this is a community where residents are respected and cared for. The combination of a warm, professional on-site manager, a supportive team, and a well-kept building in a vibrant Coconut Grove neighborhood creates a compelling picture for anyone considering Gibson Plaza for themselves or their family.

In summary, the Gibson Plaza experience is defined by a manager who embodies calm leadership and genuine care, a staff that understands and meets the practical needs of an older population, and a property that sits in a desirable, continually improving area. The praise for Tavarus - his composure, his communication, and his dedication - along with the endorsements from residents who have lived there with aging parents, makes the building feel like a thoughtful, reliable place to consider for long-term residence. For families weighing options in Coconut Grove, this combination of character, service, and setting speaks loudly.

This area of Miami, Florida offers a variety of amenities and services that would provide convenience and comfort for seniors looking to reside here. With multiple pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, parks, hospitals, and places of worship within close proximity, residents will have easy access to essential needs and recreational activities. The presence of reputable healthcare facilities like Doctors Hospital and South Miami Hospital ensures quality medical care is readily available. Additionally, the diverse dining options ranging from Barracuda Taphouse & Grill to El Brazo Fuerte Bakery cater to various culinary preferences. The nearby parks such as Peacock Park and Regatta Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment that would be both practical and enjoyable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Greenstreet Cafe (0.5 miles)
• Barracuda Taphouse & Grill (0.6 miles)
• Monty's Stone Crab (1.3 miles)
• Sergio's Coral Way (1.5 miles)
• Hillstone Restaurant (1.6 miles)
• El Brazo Fuerte Bakery (2 miles)
• Shake Shack (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Peacock Park (0.7 miles)
• Douglas Park (0.8 miles)
• Regatta Park (1 miles)
• Dante Fascell Park (3.3 miles)
• Tropical Park (4.4 miles)
• Bayfront Park (5 miles)

Hospitals

• Doctors Hospital (1.4 miles)
• South Miami Hospital (3.1 miles)
• University Of Miami Hospital (4.8 miles)
• Veterans Administration Hospital Miami (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Joanna's Marketplace (3.9 miles)
• La Estacion Cafe (4.3 miles)
• Casa Tua Cucina (4.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.7 miles)
• Nespresso Boutique at Macy's (4.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Sunset Place 24 (2.6 miles)

Physicians

• Nicklaus Children's Hospital (2.8 miles)
• University Of Miami Doctors Office (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• American Airlines (3.5 miles)
• Concourse J (4.7 miles)
• Turkish Airlines Lounge (4.7 miles)
• Miami Airport Tri-Rail Station (4.7 miles)
• Concourse H (4.7 miles)
• Concourse G (4.7 miles)
• Security Checkpoint H/J (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (4 miles)
• St Dominic's Catholic Church (4.3 miles)
• Gesu Catholic Church (5 miles)