A new Marco Island Historical Society exhibit entitled “The Florida House” takes a trip back in time, marking and celebrating the 60th anniversary of modern Marco and the construction of the island’s first model homes.
This exhibit delves into the history behind the island’s Mackle-built model homes, which, according to the museum, can be traced back to the post-World War II “Florida House” crafted by builders and developers hoping to entice Northerners to the Sunshine State.
Constructed during the modern development of Marco Island by the Deltona Corporation from 1965 through the 1970s, 72 diverse models were designed “to embody the elegant tropical living” the Mackle Brothers envisioned for the “crown jewel” of their planned communities.
The brothers – Elliott, Robert and Frank Jr. – of the Deltona Corporation led development after purchasing large amounts of land there for $7 million. The brothers sold plots in planned communities through installment plans, creating multiple communities in Florida.
Work began on modern Marco Island in 1969. There were many challenges and during the mid ’70s, the Deltona Corporation was denied permits for dredging. The corporation had to refund $38 million to customers who had paid for waterfront property.
The exhibit runs through June 7 at the Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 S. Heathwood Drive, open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and the site is fully ADA compliant and accessible to all visitors.
Learn more at colliermuseums.com/exhibits.
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This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: From the Archives: Developing modern Marco Island
Reporting by B.D. Green, Naples Daily News / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
