1640-3 Causeways V.F. MIAMI BEACH - HISTORY
C. 1 JUL 8 1965
History of Normandy Isle Area
(Source: Pair. Webb, City Mgr. of Bal Harbour)
1. In 1921 , a real estate syndicate composed of several members, among them
the Gryzmich Brothers and Henry Levy, bought a mangrove patch and began the
development of South Island. Mr. Webb worked with the firm in construction
and engineering and in 1928 became the chief engineer, in charge of the
original plat until 1932.
2. The syndicate originally planned to name the streets that were laid out
after various persons, i.e.: Rose Levy Street. However the County Commission
at the Courthouse, which must clear names of new streets, turned down this
idea, and the syndicate, among whom were some widely-traveled men, decided
to name the streets after French towns, provinces, etc. This was approved
by the Courthouse.
3. In 1925, the first housing, comprised of four apt. houses, was begun, along
with the fountain at the East end of the Island. However, the 1926 hurricane
ruined two of the buildings, and construction was halted. In 192V and 1928
it was resumed and the buildings completed.
4. In 1926, another real estate syndicate began the construction of the first 17
private homes. The firm, however, went out of business in 1927, right before
the boom. Some of the home owners completed their homes themselves. These
early records may be gotten from A . B. City Hall, according to Mr. Webb.
5. It was not until 1939 that the city bought North Island for a golf course
for Normandy Isle, and pumped in the fill to complete it.
6. According to Mr. Ed Hancock, building inspector for many years of M. B., and
now retired (he is presently president of the Pioneer Assoc. of M.B.) it was
only after the bldg. of the 79th Street Causeway that the contruction of
Normandy Isle was begun.
MIAMI BEACH
PUBLIC LIBRARY
June 30, 1965
Reference Department