Rolling Hills Condominiums

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This article refers to the Rolling Hills Condominium complex in Davie, Florida.

The Rolling Hills Condominiums are located in Davie, Florida, nestled in the Grande Oaks golf course near Nova Southeastern University. The complex is centered on SW 30th Street and Rolling Hills Circle.

Satellite Map of Rolling Hills Complex (courtesy Google Maps). Shown are: condo buildings (1,6,7,9), Hotel and Waterfall Pool, Nova Southeastern University (NSU), and University Drive (road adjacent to NSU).

Origins:

Rolling Hills Condominiums were planned and built in the late '70s and early '80s. At that time, nearby University Drive (Florida State Road 817) was a two lane highway. The original plans called for 26 seven-story buildings of 70 units each. Of these 26 buildings, only four (Buildings 1, 6, 7, and 9) were ever constructed.

The condominium buildings were part of an even larger golf course and hotel complex. The nine-hole golf course (between University Drive and Rolling Hills Circle) and 18-hole golf course (between Rolling Hills Circle and Pine Island Road) were originally known as the Rolling Hills golf club. Sometime in the early- to mid-90's, H. Wayne Huizenga purchased the golf properties and the name was changed to Grande Oaks. The original hotel, also called Rolling Hills, was replaced in the early '90s by a much more elaborate multi-story hotel with a waterfall pool.

Community:

Most of the original condo owners were retirees and "snow birds" who spend only part of the year in South Florida. As the original owners sold their properties, more of the units became rental properties. This process was accelerated by rising property values in the region and the growth of Nova Southeastern University and Greater Fort Lauderdale. Today, the complex is a diverse mix of retirees, students, and families. In addition, many of the units have been extensively refurbished.

This area is featured in the "Caddyshack" movie series, filmed at the hotel and golf course.

The Miami Dolphins training facility is within a mile of the complex, and the hotel used to figure prominently in the preseason activities.

Over the years:

Many of the outparcels have been developed over the years. Properties along the west side of University Drive between SW 30th and SW 39th Avenues was extensively developed during the 1990's. Tenants include Walgreens, Wendy's, The Quarterdeck, ITT Tech, and Buca DiBeppo. Areas south and east of the original hotel were developed in the late '90s as Rolling Hills Estates (a gated community). The area between Buildings 7 and 9 and south of Building 9 were redeveloped as townhouses.

As of early 2006, the hotel was closed down by the Japanese company that owns it. The waterfall pool was dismantled and shipped to Costa Rica (another resort property owned by the same company).