Downtown Delray Beach, Florida, has five historic districts.
These areas offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past, each with its own unique story and architectural character, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped downtown Delray Beach into the charming destination it is today. Exploring these districts is like stepping back in time, revealing layers of development, community, and architectural evolution.
The Downtown Delray Beach historic Districts
West Settlers Historic District
The West Settlers Historic District, originally called “the Sands” due to its sandy soil, holds profound cultural significance as the site of the downtown Delray Beach first African American settlement. It began in 1894. This area was the heart of a thriving community built by pioneering African American families who played a crucial role in the city’s early development.
Education and religion were foundational pillars, with a school, three churches, and a Masonic Lodge established between 1895 and 1920. This formed the social and spiritual core of the neighborhood. During the era of segregation, West Settlers also served as a bustling commercial area, providing essential services and businesses for its residents.
Today, real estate in the West Settlers Historic District features a mix of historic frame vernacular styles, reflecting the early settlers’ use of local materials and construction knowledge. You’ll find charming bungalows and Mission Revival architecture, popular in the 1920s, alongside more modern townhomes and new construction that blend into the historic fabric.
Properties here often range from two to four bedrooms, with a focus on preserving the community’s heritage. The district offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities, making it a sought-after area for those who appreciate its deep roots.
Old School Square Historic District
Situated in what was the original geographic center of downtown Delray Beach, the Old School Square Historic District is the city’s largest, encompassing 176 structures, with over 100 contributing buildings at least 50 years old.
This downtown Delray Beach historic district provides the initial footprint for the town’s settlement and development, making it a cornerstone of Delray’s history. Its name comes from the iconic Old School Square cultural complex, which originally housed the city’s elementary, high school, and gymnasium buildings from the early 20th century. These beautifully preserved structures now serve as a vibrant cultural hub, home to the Crest Theatre, Cornell Art Museum, and a historic gymnasium, hosting a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and community events.
The real estate within the Old School Square Historic District is diverse, mirroring its long history. You’ll find a wide array of architectural styles, from early 20th-century bungalows and Craftsman cottages to Mediterranean Revival and Colonial Revival homes. The district also includes “Banker’s Row,” featuring larger, more opulent residences. Homes here can range from cozy two-bedroom cottages to expansive multi-bedroom properties, some renovated to blend modern comforts with historical integrity. The median listing prices can vary, reflecting the mix of property types and their proximity to downtown amenities. This district appeals to those who desire to live amidst Delray’s cultural epicenter and historical grandeur.
Del-Ida Park Historic District
Platted in 1923, the Del-Ida Park Historic District was one of downtown Delray Beach first planned developments, offering a distinct residential neighborhood characterized by its unique diagonal street pattern and curvilinear corners that create charming triangular blocks.
In this video I show you more of the home and street in the Del-Ida area.
This design philosophy aimed to create a cohesive community. The architecture features Mediterranean Revival and Craftsman Bungalow designs, popular during the “Boom period” of 1923-1926. These homes often showcase intricate details, stucco finishes, and red-tiled roofs characteristic of the Mediterranean style, or the exposed rafters, wide eaves, and natural materials of Craftsman bungalows.
Real estate in Del-Ida Park consists of single-family homes, many of which have been preserved or restored to maintain their historic charm. The properties are well-maintained, with lush landscaping that complements the architectural styles. While some homes retain their original layouts, others have undergone modern interior upgrades while preserving their historic facades.
The district’s unique streetscape and architectural consistency make it a highly desirable residential area, offering a tranquil, tree-lined environment just a short distance from the bustling downtown. When you tour NE 5th street you find one of Delray’s largest Banyan trees that towers over a 100-year home.
Marina Historic District
The Marina Historic District, located along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway and centered around the downtown Delray Beach marina, was listed as a city historic district in 1988.
This district has a variety of architectural styles, which blend Streamline Moderne, Colonial Revival, Mediterranean Revival, and Bungalow designs. They all set against a distinctive sub-tropical landscape. The narrow, shaded streets and the focal point of the City Marina contribute to its reputation as one of the most downtown Delray Beach pedestrian-oriented neighborhood. Its proximity to the water has always been a defining feature, influencing both its development and its appeal.
Homes in the Marina Historic District range from charming historic cottages to more substantial waterfront properties, some offering private dockage with access to the Atlantic. The real estate here reflects a mix of renovated historic homes and thoughtfully designed newer builds that adhere to the district’s aesthetic guidelines.
Homes here start with the words million-dollars.
The district’s blend of historic architecture, waterfront access, and walkability to Atlantic Avenue’s shops and restaurants makes it one of downtown Delray Beach most exclusive and sought-after enclaves.
Nassau Park Historic District
The Nassau Park Historic District, located just steps from the Atlantic Ocean on the south side of Atlantic Avenue, is made up of seventeen one and two-story Cape Cod Colonial Revival cottages. Platted in 1935, this district recalls the prosperity, pleasure, and distinctive style that defined resort life in Delray Beach during the 1930s.
As it’s on the island side of Delray, technically it’s not within the downtown Delray Beach area – but who’s counting.
The modest scale, precise dimensions, and harmonious proportions of these homes are considered irreplaceable. They are characterized by distinctive horizontal clapboard siding, multi-paned windows, and often elaborate doorways, embodying a classic coastal aesthetic.
Real estate in Nassau Park is coveted due to its historical significance, architectural charm, and unparalleled location near the beach. The homes are single-family cottages, offering a more intimate and quaint living experience compared to some of the larger residences found elsewhere. While the interiors may have been updated for modern living, the exteriors are preserved to maintain their original character. These properties represent a unique piece of the downtown Delray Beach resort history, offering a blend of nostalgic charm and prime coastal living, making them highly desirable and often commanding premium prices.
Each of of the downtown Delray Beach five historic districts tell a compelling story of the city’s evolution. From the pioneering spirit of West Settlers to the resort elegance of Nassau Park, these areas offer a tangible connection to the past. Their diverse architectural styles and unique community characters make them not just places to live, but living museums that continue to shape the identity and allure of downtown Delray Beach.
