6

The First Group of model homes was completed and open
to the public in the Spring of 1962. They were located
adjacent to the Intersection of 55th Street and Bayview
Drive. People came to look, to be impressed and to
contract for homes patterned on these models. The paving
of the First Section streets was completed and the
construction of homes for the early purchasers was
underway in the summer of 1962. 

The volume of sales encouraged Haft-Gaines to complete work
and offer locations to the Second Section earlier than their
original schedule. They were selling homes in both the First and
Second Sections when the City of Fort Lauderdale annexed “the
Landings” and adjacent areas. The Fort Lauderdale Building
Code permitted the building of more spacious homes with less
space from the buildings to the lot lines. 

Bayview Drive paving was completed and a group of more
spacious and more luxurious model homes were built
adjacent to the earlier model homes. Prospective home
buyers were being offered a greater variety of homes from
which to choose.

In the Original Sales Brochure the prices ranged from
$43,000 to $54,000. All prices included the full cost of
your sodded waterfront lot, complete cost of home
construction, Carrier central air-conditioning and heating,
all General Electric appliances, lawn sprinkler system and
private dock.

“Because The Landings had been envisioned as a
harmonious grouping of individually designed homes, 
you are invited to take full advantage of Half-Gaines’
complete architectural services. At no cost whatsoever to
you at The Landings, Haft-Gaines’ architectural staff is
ready and waiting to translate your family’s personal
design for living into the new home that will be uniquely
and personally yours.”

The Landings has come a long way in the 50 or so years
since the beginning, but it still remains a highly desirable
neighborhood to live in. The support of The Landings
Homeowners Association, our good relationship with the
City, and residents participating in our activities help make
it a friendly and popular neighborhood.

I

The Landings & Bay Colony

About the Neighborhood 

continued

About the author: 
Joe Welsch has been an important
contributor and a great asset to The
Landings neighborhood. Joe first served
on the board in 1990 (his wife, Judi
served on the board in 1988) and he
never misses a board meeting. He
regularly attends Commissioner Bruce
Roberts’ pre-agenda meetings and he has
been especially conscientious about
overseeing the city’s landscape at the
entrance and medians. In 2010 he was
chairman of the committee to obtain a city
grant and worked with the city to have the
new Landings pillar-type signs built. 

REMINDER

Members Annual Dinner Meeting

Thursday February 18, 2016 at Coral Ridge Country Club

6:00 pm – Social    6:50 pm – Dinner    7:40 pm – Meeting

Contact terryb@landingra.com for more information