Spanish Village Homes

Spanish Village is a charming historic neighborhood in East Boca Raton, adjacent to Downtown Boca and steeped in local history. Originally developed by the Mizner Development Corporation in the 1920s, it stands as one of Boca Raton’s earliest communities.

Spanish Village's History

Construction in Spanish Village began in 1925, led by New York builder Harry Vought, who built a series of Mediterranean Revival-style bungalows just west of Dixie Highway and north of Palmetto Park Road. These homes were intended to house the families of contractors working for the Mizner Development Corporation. The development originally planned for 100 homes, but only 22 were completed due to various factors. Despite this, by 1926, residents had moved into these charming rental properties, designed to provide affordable comfort with features like large living rooms, high ceilings, cypress details, and distinctive Spanish and Italian architectural influences.

Spanish Village Architecture

The original homes in Spanish Village were crafted with masonry (clay tile) exteriors and stucco finishes, featuring iconic Mizner touches like Spanish clay tile roofs, pecky cypress doors, and peaked ceilings. These homes, which once offered a cozy, accessible lifestyle for early Florida residents, continue to be sought after for their unique character and historical significance.

The neighborhood was initially known as Mizner Plat 11 but was officially renamed Spanish Village in the 1950s. During World War II, the community was repurposed when the U.S. government acquired the land to house non-commissioned officers stationed at the nearby Boca Raton Army Airfield, a key training facility for electronics and radar during the war.

The 1950s saw the expansion of Spanish Village beyond its original two streets, with new homes developed and additional streets added, including 10th Street, 2nd Avenue, and 3rd Avenue. The area became popular with young families, retirees, and small business owners seeking affordable housing.

Spanish Village Modern Era

Over the years, Spanish Village has grown along with Boca Raton. The neighborhood saw population increases, new developments, and a steady rise in property values, especially as the city experienced rapid growth in the 1980s with the expansion of major institutions like IBM and Florida Atlantic University. Today, Spanish Village remains a vibrant, desirable community that blends historic charm with the modern conveniences of its East Boca Raton location.

Eleven of the original Spanish Village homes remain, though only one, the Christopher Warren House at 200 Northwest 7th Street, is listed on Boca Raton’s historic register, having received its designation in 2012. Despite extensive renovations and additions over the years, these core bungalows still capture the essence of the neighborhood’s origins. Many of the original homes have been torn down and replaced with new luxury homes as is prevalent throughout East Boca Raton.