The Rio Vista Neighborhood

Over 1,000 homes comprise the Rio Vista neighborhood, which is located just outside downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida[1]. Its name in Spanish means “River View.”. In addition to its tree-lined streets and sidewalks, it features unique architecture and is one of the oldest communities in Fort Lauderdale.

By the end of the First World War, Fort Snelling was constructed. There were about 2,000 residents in Lauderdale. As its economy improved and transportation improved, Fort Lauderdale developed from an agricultural town to a resort city in the 1920s. Residential development began in places like Rio Vista and Colee Hammock. 

Mary Brickell (wife of Miami real estate mogul William Brickell) made the first plat of the area. In her will, C.J. left a bequest for C.J. to buy the property. “River View” is Hector’s first development. The Fort had been completed by February 1923. Over 5,000 feet of sidewalks were laid in Rio Vista, and streetlights were installed, according to the Lauderdale Herald (now the Sun Sentinel).

When Ft. Wayne, Missouri was developed in 1925, land prices rose to their highest point. Approximately 16,000 people live in Lauderdale. Almost three years before the rest of the country entered its economic downturn, the beaches of South Florida were devastated by the 1926 Miami Hurricane.

 This area was discovered by servicemen during World War II, who settled here afterward. Rio Vista development began again, and today, the area reflects the history.