Historic Districts & Walking Tours

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In the late 1980’s the City undertook major strides in protecting its historic resources. The City adopted its first historic preservation ordinance, created the Local Register of Historic Places and established its first four historic districts. Today, there are five historic districts within the City of Delray Beach that are listed on the Local Register of Historic Places; two of these districts are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Click the image or text below for more information.

West Settlers Historic District

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The district was originally recognized for its collection of structures representing architecture from 1900-1947 which represents the early years of Delray Beach’s African-American community, and the African-American pioneers. African-Americans from north and west Florida, Georgia and South Carolina were the first non-Native Americans in the area, laying the foundation of a strong agricultural economy in the region. The community was selfsufficient and settlers utilized local materials and their own construction knowledge. Known as the “Red Line” for the painted tin roofs, the “shot gun” houses that once occupied the east side of NW 3rd Avenue were developed for Henry Flagler’s railroad workers. Isaiah Bruin, one of the community’s earliest builders, constructed many residences along NW 3rd and 4th Avenues, including the Susan Williams House, which is now located at the S.D. Spady Cultural Complex on NW 5th Avenue. The La France Hotel, located at 140 NW 4th Avenue, was once the only hotel in Delray Beach that welcomed African-Americans during segregation. Owned by Charles and Francenia Patrick, the hotel welcomed celebrated black musicians and civil rights figures. The Patrick’s built their homestead next door at 400 NW 2nd Street.

Old School Square Historic District

At the time of designation, the district was recognized for its Period of Significance from 1898 to 1943 which represents the initial footprint for settlement and development of Delray Beach, the 1920’s Land Boom and 1930’s settlement following the Great Depression. Architectural significance is evident in the remaining structures, including Old School Square and the Sundy House, both of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Significance within the district is includes associations with Delray’s pioneers such as John Shaw Sundy, Delray’s first mayor Frederick Henry Link, , an early investor, and Reverend John R. Cason, The Methodist Church Minister. Many structures within the district were designed by Delray Beach’s first licensed architect, Samuel Ogren, Sr.

Del-Ida Park Historic District

The district was originally recognized for its Period of Significance from 1923 – 1943 for its representation of architecture from the 1920’s Land Boom and the time that followed the Great Depression through the 1930’s to early 1940’s. The district is also significant due to associations with people significant in Delray Beach history such as Frederick Henry Link, a Craftsman at Mizner Industries under renowned architect Addison Mizner. Mizner’s architectural include is visible throughout the district. Mr. Link’s daughter Catherine Link Strong, who grew up and lived in Del-Ida Park, is recognized as the City’s first female Mayor. Architect Samuel Ogren, Sr. also designed many structures in Del-Ida Park.

Marina Historic District

The original (remove: Period of Significance for the) district recognized the collection of architecture representative of the period from 1922 to 1943 which illustrates its association with the development of early neighborhoods in Delray Beach The district’s significance is also attributed to important people in Delray Beach history such as the pioneering Blank family, famed cartoonist Fontaine Fox, and architects Addison Mizner, Samuel Ogren, Sr., Gustav Maas, Belford Shoumate and John Volk. The Marina Historic District is unique to the city because of its proximity to East Atlantic Avenue and the Intracoastal Waterway. The predominant use within the district is single and multi-family residential, although the district is bounded by commercial properties fronting East Atlantic Avenue on the north. There is an area of City-owned parkland on the east side of Marine Way adjacent to the City marina and a church near the south side of the district.

Nassau Park Historic District

The only historic district east of the Intracoastal Waterway, Nassau Park consists of two blocks along Nassau Street south of east Atlantic Avenue, which span from South Ocean Boulevard to Venetian Drive. When Nassau Park Historic District was designated, the Period of Significance recognized the collection of architecture representative of the period of 1935-1943. This collection illustrates the modest, low-scale development of the early neighborhoods in Delray Beach with representation of the 1930’s settlement following the Land Boom of the 1920’s. Many of the structures within the district are attributed to renown architect Samuel Ogren, Sr. The district’s designation was prompted by the demolition of a structure located at the southwest corner of Nassau Street and South Ocean Boulevard.