Curious about the origins of this charming neighborhood? Dean Park, originally called Hyde Park, has a story as rich as its lush landscaping. On August 28, 1902, John Morgan Dean purchased 37 acres from Ferdinand W. Peck. He envisioned the city’s finest residential development.
But Dean waited until local buyers were ready for paved streets. He also wanted sidewalks, underground utilities and lush landscaping. In 1915, Dean hired 40 men. They dredged and pumped 150,000 cubic yards of sand from the Caloosahatchee. This transformed 38 acres of low swampy land into Dean Park.
Construction started in 1916 on the first house in Dean Park. It was a two-story house at 2716 Providence Street. The home was built for Marvin Picton, an accountant, and his wife Mabel. They had recently arrived from Tampa.
Before Dean Park was officially Dean Park, it was known as Hyde Park. John Morgan Dean had not yet filed the map for Dean’s Subdivision. The News-Press referred to the project as Hyde Park. After Dean recorded the subdivision map on May 1, 1920, it officially became Dean Park.
Before 1920, deeds referenced existing streets like Evans, Cranford, and First Street. These streets were used instead of a recorded subdivision map. Mr. Dean chose street names like Rhode Island and Providence from his home state. He was also a well-known developer and philanthropist there. What is now Michigan Avenue was Banana Avenue until 1920.
First Street, Palm Avenue, and Cranford Avenue existed before Dean’s Subdivision. Cranford was part of an earlier subdivision called Evans Addition. It extended to the lots on the south side of Michigan Avenue.
By 1920, Dean Park and the Florida land boom were thriving. Craftsman-style bungalows and homes reflecting Spanish Colonial were popular. Tudor revival styles were also common. Some homes were built by John Dean’s United Construction Company. Others were built by investors who bought lots from Dean. These investors constructed houses for profitable resale.
Dean Park became home to prominent businessmen and civic leaders. It was the place to be. However, construction slowed after the devastating hurricane of 1926. It then came to a standstill with the stock market crash of 1929.
After Dean died in 1938, several lots remained unimproved. These lots remained the property of Annie Powell Dean, Dean’s widow. In the 1950s, these empty lots were sold. This sparked a new wave of development in Dean Park. New ranch-style homes were constructed on these vacant parcels.
In the 1990s, interest in Dean Park’s historic character resurged. On April 7, 1997, the Fort Myers City Council designated Dean Park as a Historic District. In 2013, Dean Park was named to the National Register of Historic Places. This designation followed an intensive approval process. It also included endorsement from the Fort Myers City Council and the State of Florida.
Dean Park stands as a testament to John Morgan Dean’s vision. From swampy land to a prestigious residential area it showcases Fort Myers’ growth. Its historic homes and charming streets preserve the spirit of the early 20th century. As you stroll through Dean Park, remember the dreams and dedication that shaped this remarkable neighborhood.