If you visit southwest Florida and find your way to the tropical island city of Marco Island, make sure you visit the Marco Island Historical Museum. It details the development of the land beginning with ancient civilization, uncovered Calusa Indian artifacts, to European discoverers like Juan Ponce de Leon, colonial times, and present day. www.cityofmarcoisland.com/community/page/old-marco-island The museum hosts a "rotating exhibits" space which changes every month or two. Until June 7, 2025 the exhibit highlights the development of the island by the Mackle Brothers and the Deltona Corporation in 1965. These brothers and developers envisioned a crowned jewel of "planned communities." This year is the 60th anniversary of The Deltona Corporation's Marco Island Development.
The Mackles envisioned Marco Island as a community exemplifying all the best features of famous Florida resorts and residential cities. Their ambitious plan aimed to meet every demand for luxurious Florida living, offering condominium apartments, resorts and private homes. The mix was designed to attract those in search of a second home. In 1972, about half of the nearly 5,000 residents were seasonal, second home owners.
Although never fully realized, the masterplan for the Mackles' development of Marco Island provided for the construction of more than 12,000 homes. Promoted as the "high point of over 60 years of southern building experience" the island's Mackle-built single-family houses were carefully tailored, inside and out, to embody this elegant tropical resort and leisure living. Between 1965-1975 Deltona architects designed 72 unique model homes with one-to-four bedroom floorplans, catering to a diverse range of Marco island homeowners with varying tastes and income levels.
Although never fully realized, the masterplan for the Mackles' development of Marco Island provided for the construction of more than 12,000 homes. Promoted as the "high point of over 60 years of southern building experience" the island's Mackle-built single-family houses were carefully tailored, inside and out, to embody this elegant tropical resort and leisure living. Between 1965-1975 Deltona architects designed 72 unique model homes with one-to-four bedroom floorplans, catering to a diverse range of Marco island homeowners with varying tastes and income levels.
My parents purchased a small condominium in 1972, during this "sparsely populated," time. Because we lived in Miami, Florida we did not exactly fit the mold of the typical buyer, a seasonal, snowbird. The convenience was ideal, a quick two-hour drive to the west coast. Admittedly, a few of their friends thought they were a bit crazy to purchase on such a remote, undeveloped swampy mangrove! Much like the homes, the focus of the property was on water-views, particularly the intercoastal waterway, a seawall and dock for excellent fishing, plus a pool with an extra-springy diving board that would never be legal today! My siblings as well as my own kids enjoyed time fishing and swimming in this same area during their childhood. The furnishings and amenities were sparse, cards, books, and board games were the entertainment when the sun became too hot.
This is a quaint replica of the model homes' living rooms.
All the Mackle model homes were given a model name. By the end of 1978, 772 Mackle homes had been constructed on Marco Island. Not all of the original homes were Mackle-built. Michigan Homes was a popular alternative for people looking for larger, more ornate houses. The first owner of a Marco Island Mackle home was Tony Mason, the offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan.
Much of the Deltona Corporation's early success hinged on their ability to sell homes and land "sight unseen." Beginning in 1964, the "Buy and Fly" program was implemented to great effect at Marco Island. Deltona chartered flights for up to 200 clients per trip, most of whom had either signed sales contracts or made the required 10% down payment. Clients were guaranteed a refund if they were unsatisfied after seeing their property in person. More than half of all homes and nearly 3 out of 4 lots were presold by franchised agents outside of Florida. The program was so successful that Deltona established its own airline, Marco Island Airways, in 1972. The original Marco Island Airport was a temporary airstrip built during the summer of 1965 and was located near the beach on what is now Landmark Street.
This aerial photo from 1968 is courtesy of the Marco Island Historical Museum's facebook page. This current exhibit is on display until June 7, 2025. Credit to the Marco Island Historical Museum for the information contained in this post. I don't do it justice, you simply need to visit it yourself. Marco Island has changed a lot since 1965 and this exhibit seeks to mark and celebrate the 60th anniversary of both modern Marco Island and the construction of the first Mackle-built model homes in the community. It's a vintage display of a delightful era. The Historical Museum states the purpose is to not only educate visitors on one of our island's architectural landmarks but increase community awareness and pride of this very visible part of our shared heritage--a part that is gradually disappearing in the face of development. Many of the original homes have been torn down and replaced with million dollar mansions. It's not unusual to see a Mackle home next to a celebrity dream home. I'll take the Mackle home any day!
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