The history of Garden Patio Villas began when Oriole Homes Corp. developed Garden Patio Villas Association and it was incorporated on July 23, 1976. In 1977, 83 villas were completely built and people quickly purchased into this Homeowners Association. Beautiful olive trees were planted at each villa with a community clubhouse, pool and shuffleboard court. This design of villas was new and exciting for people who wanted to move to South Florida but not live in a condominium or purchase a large home.
There were five variations of villas a person could choose. Car ports had an upgrade option to be converted to a garage. There was a lawn patio area attached to the villa which was meant to allow homeowners to plant flowers and shrubs to create the benefits of nature; basically giving ascetic beauty to the indoor/outdoor living of South Florida. Oriole Homes Corp. also included several other upgrade options buyers could choose for this lawn patio area. One of the upgrade options was to enclose it by creating an indoor patio with Chattahoochee flooring. The top of the line upgrade was to make this area into another air conditioned room inside of the home.
Oriole Homes Corp. developed many of the condominiums and single family homes in the 1970’s in Margate, Florida. Some of this green space originally began in November 1971 at a Margate City Counsel meeting. Garden Patio Villas along with other residential housing was being developed and plotted. Discussed was the requirement that the developer keep at least 5% open for green space. As a trade off, the developers were allowed to create a higher density in dwelling units which surrounded the golf courses and serve as open space for these unit owners. Since the City of Margate requested green space and golf courses, Members enjoyed their homes and green space for 45 years!
The City of Margate desired to continue to create a larger green belt of space in the city. Oriole Homes Corp. cooperated with the city to build Margate Executive Golf Course and was opened in 1985. The 9-hole golf course was along the side of Garden Patio Villas where families and friends enjoyed golfing for decades.
In 1995, Members voted to make the Association a 55+ community. Through the last 45 years, the Board of Directors and Members have changed hands; but Garden Patio Villas remains a friendly, small neighborhood. In 2015, hurricane Wilma took many trees, roofs and porches in the area. Today, Garden Patio Villas still has a beautiful view of birds, trees, other wildlife in our lovely green, small community!
In 2021, the beautiful 9 hole golf course adjacent to us was closed and the City of Margate voted to allow this land to be rezoned and redeveloped into town-homes.
Garden Patio Villas Board of Directors continues to beautify our common areas with green space, trees, bushes, pretty flowers that Members of our community continue to enjoy today!
Here are some photos from some of the history of Garden Patio Villas:
