In South Florida, a Roaring Twenties Trio
At the dawn of the 20th century, the Sunshine State saw its population soar from a mere 500,000 to well over million, largely owed to the great South Florida land boom of the 1920s. A century later, these charming historic residences preserve the optimism and craftsmanship of that era.
Today, the span of Florida’s East Coast from West Palm Beach to Miami comprises the state’s single-largest metropolitan region, claiming 6.5 million residents. That’s more people than Greater Orlando and the Tampa Bay area combined, still with a million in change. But in not-too-distant 1900, just half a million people lived in the whole state of Florida, with fewer than 5,000 collectively inhabiting present-day Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties — so few folks that the latter then encompassed the entire territory, with the first three breaking off in succession starting in 1909.
While this exponential growth resulted from a sequence of compounded events, historians agree on one thing: it reached critical mass between 1924 and 1926, when widespread economic prosperity, coupled with that Northeast urge to seek warmer winters, triggered the land boom that changed South Florida forever.
Three decades after the 1894 arrival of Henry Flagler and his railroad, Palm Beach, the region’s preeminent resort town, had more than tripled in size. With limited real estate to be had on the barrier island, and ever-expanding infrastructure like water and roads (not to mention improved land reclamation methods), true visionaries widened their aperture. Speculation exploded throughout the region, luring some of the nation’s greatest designers, developers, and capitalists to cash in on the Florida craze. They built Miami Beach (Carl Fisher), Boca Raton (Addison Mizner), and Coral Gables (George Merrick). West Palm Beach, on the mainland, became an epicenter of creative industries, hosting esteemed society architects like Maurice Fatio and warehouses where interior designers could source antiques, textiles, and architectural hardware for their most discerning clients. And it gave the chance to young talents — like Samuel Ogren, Sr., who emigrated on the infamous liner Lusitania and left New York for an apprenticeship under William Manly King — to break out on their own, crafting municipal buildings for downtowns that didn’t exist before. By decade’s end, there were more than 1.5 million Floridians — a number that’s been growing ever since.
The Roaring Twenties in South Florida were a time of dreams, a time of hope, and a time of finding home. These Corcoran listings are just a few examples of the enduring period houses from the era, well-loved and meticulously preserved.
230 Princeton Drive, Lake Worth Beach
Contrasting the Mediterranean Revivals ubiquitous in South Florida’s historic districts, this updated Dutch Colonial, completed in 1926, is one of two such homes in the College Park section of Lake Worth Beach — together, they’re called the ‘Twin Sisters.’ The four-bedroom, two-bath charmer follows an original Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog design, harkening to a moment in history when high-quality homes could be built fast. Authentic yet thoughtfully updated, the home has welcomed all the modern conveniences one’s heart could desire, including upgraded electrical, a two-zone HVAC system, and the true dream amenity: an upstairs laundry room. Groomed grounds add a new pool, spacious patio, and outdoor shower, a park-like oasis sequestered with natural privacy. From its original fireplace to expansion potential into the attic, there’s everything to love.
Listed By: Don Todorich of Corcoran’s Palm Beach Office.
443 33rd Street, West Palm Beach
Celebrating its centennial this year, this stuccoed c.1925 classic recently underwent a to-the-studs renovation, ushering in a new era of style and energy efficiency. More than 2,300 square feet of interior space includes four bedrooms, four baths, and a bright, airy kitchen that seamlessly transitions through glass sliding doors to the park-like backyard. Cross the courtyard, with its sparkling pool and waterfall, to a detached one-bedroom casita, boasting its own kitchen, laundry room, and even a separate utility meter. The leafy property keeps good company with the 320 surrounding buildings of the Old Northwood Historic District, stretching some 10 blocks up from Northwood Village proper (not to mention that Lamarina, the scene-y waterfront restaurant in the Rybovich super-yacht marina, is but a short shaded stroll.)
Listed By: Jared Seligman and Dylan Reiff of Corcoran’s Palm Beach Office.
701 SE 1st Street, Delray Beach
In the pedestrian-friendly Marina District of Delray Beach, you’ll find dozens of character-filled homes representing a wide range of styles, from earlier Monterey Colonials and Mission Revivals to Miami-esque art deco/Streamline Moderne builds of the 1930s and 40s. Called the Lawrence Triplex, this historically-significant property, located a block off bustling Atlantic Avenue near the city marina and ocean sands, is currently being reimagined by preservation architect Roger Cope. A two-car garage, second story addition, and custom pool are all options on the table. Its next owner can enjoy a 10-year tax abatement incentive, available to purchasers in the historic district who make improvements on the property.
Listed By: Gayle Clark and Jennifer Kilpatrick of Corcoran’s Delray Beach/Gulf Stream Office.
