In the 1930’s a group of Detroit industrialists including the Graham brothers, Walter O. Briggs and Charles T Fisher, arrived in South Florida. They hired the renowned city planners, Harland Bartholomew & Associates, to draw up plans to develop a model city on the 245-acre marshy wasteland now known as Bal Harbour.

The development was interrupted by World War II, and the area was leased to the U.S. Government for $1.00. The entire fenced area became a rifle range on the east side. The west side of Collins Avenue housed a prisoner of war camp and tent city.

After the war, the corporation regained possession of the land and proceeded with plans to build the model city. All utilities were placed underground, roads were built, and the streets were landscaped by the developers. In order to become incorporated, the state required 25 male voters to be residents. In 1946, there was not a building in existence except the barracks left by the Air Corps. The barracks were converted to livable apartments for returning GI’s and their families. Then on August 14, 1946, 25 male voters incorporated the Village of Bal Harbour.

Now 75 years later, the entire area which consists of majestic high-rise apartments, resort hotels and private homes, has grown in prestige. The success of the area was enhanced with the creation of the now world-famous Bal Harbour Shops, which were developed by the Whitman family.

It is due to the vision, courage, and ingenuity of these founders that one can absorb the charm and enjoy the serenity of everyday life in picturesque Bal Harbour.