Historic MiMo Architecture Community with Waterfront Marina Access
Normandy Isle Marina serves the exclusive Normandy Isle community on Miami Beach – one of Miami’s most architecturally significant and historically preserved neighborhoods, famous for its Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture, tree-lined streets named after French cities, and established boating lifestyle. Located on this man-made island in Biscayne Bay, Normandy Isle Marina provides direct waterfront access for residents and visitors seeking to experience this unique Miami neighborhood, with nearby amenities including the iconic Place Vendome Fountain district, Normandy Shores Golf Course, family-friendly Normandy Isle Park & Pool, and charming Mediterranean Revival architecture.
Community & Marina Overview
- Location: Normandy Isle, Miami Beach, FL
- Coordinates: 25°51’11″N 80°08’06″W
- Island History: Founded late 1920s (completed 1928)
- Historic District: Listed on National Register of Historic Places
- Community Size: ~8,791 residents
- Type: Residential island marina community access
- Architecture: Miami Modern (MiMo) and Mediterranean Revival
Normandy Isle Marina
Normandy Isle is a special place in Miami – one of the city’s most carefully planned and architecturally preserved communities, where the waterfront marina lifestyle blends perfectly with historic residential charm and contemporary community amenities.
Table of Contents
Normandy Isle History
A Visionary Creation (1926-1928)
The Henri Levy Vision
After building a successful chain of movie theaters in Cincinnati, Henri Levy (or Levi), a French-born entrepreneur, moved to Miami Beach in 1922. Inspired by the natural beauty of Biscayne Bay, he conceived an ambitious project that would transform a mangrove-covered island into Miami’s most architecturally distinctive neighborhood.
The Dredging Project (1926-1928)
From what was previously known as Warner-Meade Island (a swampy natural landscape), Levy undertook a monumental transformation:
- 24-hour-a-day dredging – Non-stop construction
- Two-year project – Completed by 1928
- Massive dredging operation – Created island from bay
- Engineering achievement – State-of-the-art for the era
- Original vision – French-themed community
French Heritage
Honoring Levy’s French origins, the neighborhood was designed with a distinctly French character:
- French street names – All streets named after French cities, points-of-interest, and provinces
- European atmosphere – Transports residents to Provence
- Planned community – Cohesive vision
- Cultural identity – Preserved to this day
Other Accomplishments
Henri Levy was instrumental in major Miami Beach infrastructure development:
- 79th Street Causeway – Major transportation link
- Regional development – Shaped North Beach growth
- Street Names – French Heritage
Street Names – French Heritage
Charming, Distinctive Street Naming
East-West Streets
- Bay Drive – Waterfront thoroughfare
- Biarritz Drive & Court – Basque region of France
- 71st Street (originally Everglades Concourse)
- Maimonides Street
- Normandy Drive & Court – Island name
- Marseille Drive – Provence port city
- Calais Drive – Northern France port
North-South Streets
- Brest Esplanade – Brittany port city
- Rue Vendome – French avenue naming
- Vendome Court
- Rue Versailles – Palace region
- Versailles Court
- Vichy Drive – Southern France spa town
- Rue Notre Dame
- Rue Bordeaux – Wine region
- Trouville Esplanade – Normandy resort
- Rue Granville
- Verdun Drive – WWI battle site
The street names create an authentic French atmosphere while telling the story of Henri Levy’s heritage and vision.
Architecture – Miami Modern (MiMo) Historic District
1940s-1950s Architectural Treasure
Architectural Significance
Normandy Isle is celebrated for its exceptional collection of Miami Modern (MiMo) architecture – also known as Miami Modernism – the distinctive architectural style that defined Miami’s post-WWII residential development.
MiMo Characteristics
- Clean, horizontal lines – Modernist principles
- Curved walls and elements – Organic shapes
- Bright, bold colors – Tropical palette
- Integration with landscape – Indoor-outdoor living
- Innovative materials – Glass, steel, concrete
- Geometric patterns – Decorative features
- Carports and overhangs – Subtropical design
- Flat roofs – Contemporary style
Historic Designation
The Normandy Isles Local Historic District has been established to preserve these architectural treasures:
- Protects character – Building standards maintained
- National Register – Listed on historic registry
- Community pride – Residents invested in preservation
- Tourist attraction – Visitors admire the architecture
- Research value – Architectural historians study MiMo
Notable Architectural Examples
Throughout Normandy Isle, you’ll find beautiful examples of:
- Residential homes – Single-family MiMo residences
- Multifamily buildings – Apartment complexes
- Commercial structures – Shops and offices
- Public buildings – Community facilities
- Gardens and landscaping – Tropical design elements
Place Vendome – Social & Commercial Heart
Iconic Fountain District
The Centerpiece
At the heart of Normandy Isle’s commercial district sits the iconic Place Vendome Fountain, a gathering place that gives the district its European character and community soul.
District Features
- Around the Fountain:
- Restaurants – Diverse dining options
- Shops – Boutiques and retail
- Lounges – Social gathering spots
- Outdoor seating – Day and evening
- 24-hour activity – Open day and night
- People watching – Vibrant street scene
- Community events – Seasonal celebrations
Dining & Café Culture
- European-style cafés – Outdoor seating
- Intimate dinners – Romantic atmosphere
- Casual lunch spots – Neighborhood favorites
- Cocktail lounges – Evening entertainment
- Live music – Weekend entertainment
- Art galleries – Cultural offerings
- Boutique shops – Curated retail
Community Gathering
- Quiet walks – Peaceful strolls around fountain
- Social hub – Meet friends and neighbors
- Street performers – Occasional entertainment
- Seasonal decorations – Holiday celebrations
- Community events – Organized programs
Normandy Shores Golf Course
Historic 18-Hole Championship Course
Golf Heritage
Normandy Shores Golf Course has been a neighborhood anchor since its opening in 1941:
- Founded: 1941 – 80+ year history
- Redesigned: 2008 – Modern upgrades
- Configuration: 18-hole, par-71 course
- Size: Compact but challenging
- Design philosophy: Quality over size
Playing the Course
This small but challenging course is perfect for golfers who enjoy testing their skills on a well-designed, demanding layout:
- Every shot counts – Strategic design
- Brings out the pro – Challenge level high
- Scenic setting – Beautiful surroundings
- Community course – Neighborhood amenities
- Professional standards – Well-maintained
- Reasonable fees – Accessible rates
Normandy Isle Park & Pool
Family-Friendly Community Recreation
Recreational Facilities
Normandy Isle Park is the community’s recreation hub, offering diverse activities for all ages:
- Aquatic:
- Four-lane Olympic pool – Championship dimensions
- Family swim – All ages welcome
- Lap swimming – Exercise and fitness
- Swim lessons – Learn-to-swim programs
- Water polo – League play available
- Sports & Fitness:
- Basketball courts – League and open play
- Soccer field – Team sports
- Tennis courts – If available
- Playground – Children’s activities
- Fitness areas – Exercise equipment
- Community Features:
- Party pavilion – Event rental space
- Picnic areas – Family gatherings
- Restrooms & showers – Convenient facilities
- Parking – Easy vehicle access
- Landscaping – Attractive grounds
Programming
The park offers extensive programming for kids and adults:
- Youth sports – Organized leagues
- Adult fitness – Exercise classes
- Community events – Seasonal celebrations
- Swimming programs – Lessons and aquatics
- Social activities – Community building
Marina Facilities & Waterfront Living
Biscayne Bay Waterfront Access
Marina Access
Normandy Isle residents enjoy direct waterfront access for boating and water activities:
- Boating Opportunities:
- Residential docks – Private community moorings
- Guest docking – Visiting boat access
- Water sports – Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming
- Fishing – Biscayne Bay fishing grounds
- Cruising – Access to Intracoastal Waterway
- Residential Waterfront:
- Bayfront homes – Premium residential locations
- Waterfront properties – Direct bay access
- Dock privileges – Included with residences
- Marina amenities – Professional operation
- Scenic views – Sunrise over Biscayne Bay
Water Quality
- Clean water – Biscayne Bay marine environment
- Marine life – Dolphins, fish, birds
- Natural ecosystem – Mangroves nearby
- Protected bay – Safe waters for recreation
Neighborhood Character & Lifestyle
A Community with Roots
Established Neighborhood
Normandy Isle has deep roots in Miami Beach, attracting residents and visitors who appreciate:
- Historic preservation – Respect for architecture
- Community spirit – Engaged residents
- Walkable streets – Pedestrian-friendly
- Tree-lined avenues – Mature landscaping
- Mixed-use living – Residential and commercial blend
- Cultural amenities – Arts and culture
- Diverse population – Various backgrounds
- Family-friendly – All ages welcome
Notable Residents
Throughout its history, Normandy Isle has been home to accomplished individuals:
- Joan Field – Concert violinist
- Roy Firestone – Sportscaster and entertainer
- Andy Garcia – Actor
- David M. Gersten – Appeals court judge
- Bob Mover – Jazz saxophonist
- Clifford S. Perlman – Restaurateur
- Daniel Schechter – Psychiatrist and author
Real Estate & Housing
Mixed Residential Stock
Housing Diversity
Normandy Isle offers a diverse mix of real estate options within its 250-acre footprint:
- Single-family homes – Residential neighborhoods
- Multifamily apartments – Condo and rental buildings
- Commercial properties – Retail and services
- Community spaces – Parks and facilities
- Waterfront estates – Premium bayfront homes
- Mid-range residences – Affordable options
- Condominiums – Modern developments
- Historic homes – Preserved original MiMo
Getting Around Normandy Isle
Pedestrian & Vehicle Access
Transportation
The island is served by multiple transportation options:
- Private vehicles – Well-maintained streets
- Public transit – Bus routes available
- Bicycles – Bike-friendly infrastructure
- Walking – Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks
- Water taxi – Waterfront access
Access from Miami Beach
Normandy Isle is accessible from central Miami Beach via:
- 79th Street Causeway – Primary access route
- Biscayne Boulevard – Secondary access
- Local streets – Island circulation
Schools & Education
Public School Access
School District
Miami-Dade County Public Schools serves Normandy Isle:
- Treasure Island Elementary – Located in North Bay Village nearby
- Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School – Intermediate grades
- Miami Beach Senior High School – Secondary education
- Public charter schools – Alternative options
- Private schools – Throughout Miami Beach
Marina Facilities & Services Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Marina Access | Direct waterfront access for residents and visitors; private community moorings; guest docking |
| Boating Opportunities | Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, cruising to Intracoastal Waterway |
| Residential Waterfront | Bayfront homes; direct bay access; dock privileges; marina amenities; scenic views |
| Water Quality | Clean water; marine life; natural ecosystem; protected bay |
| Community Amenities | Place Vendome Fountain, Normandy Shores Golf Course, Normandy Isle Park & Pool, Mediterranean Revival architecture |
| Transportation | 79th Street Causeway, Biscayne Boulevard, local streets, public transit, bicycles, water taxi |
| Education | Treasure Island Elementary, Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School, Miami Beach Senior High School |
Find Professional Boat Services
Need Marina Services or Boat Maintenance at Normandy Isle?
YachtService.VIP connects you with certified marine professionals serving Normandy Isle and the Miami Beach waterfront area.
Common Services Available
- Marina management – Professional operations
- Dock maintenance – Slip upkeep
- Boat detailing – Cleaning and waxing
- Engine service and repair – All makes and models
- Bottom cleaning and painting – Antifouling
- Electronics installation – Modern systems
- Fiberglass repair – Structural work
- Canvas and upholstery – Custom work
- Mechanical systems – All boat systems
- Propeller service – Repair and balancing
Why Choose Normandy Isle?
- Historic MiMo Architecture: 1940s-50s architectural masterpieces
- National Register: Listed historic district
- Waterfront Living: Direct Biscayne Bay access
- Place Vendome District: European-style commercial heart
- Golf Course: Normandy Shores 18-hole championship
- Community Park & Pool: Recreational facilities for all
- Tree-Lined Streets: Mature landscaping, walkable neighborhoods
- French Heritage: Street names and planned community design
- Cultural Attractions: Art galleries, restaurants, shops
- Family-Friendly: All ages, all demographics welcome
- Marina Access: Waterfront boating lifestyle
- Miami Beach Location: Heart of Miami Beach community
Weather & Boating Conditions
- Year-Round Recreation: Excellent conditions
- Water Temperature: 72-86°F
- Air Temperature: 68-90°F
- Best Months: November – April
- Hurricane Season: June 1 – November 30
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Normandy Isle a private community?
No, it’s a residential neighborhood on Miami Beach open to the public for visiting, though it’s primarily residential.
Are the streets really named after French cities?
Yes! Henri Levy named them to reflect his French heritage. Examples: Biarritz, Marseille, Calais, Versailles, Bordeaux.
Is MiMo architecture protected?
Yes, the neighborhood is a Local Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Can I visit Place Vendome?
Yes, it’s a public commercial district with restaurants, shops, and open gathering space around the fountain.
Is there waterfront access for boating?
Yes, waterfront properties have marina and dock access. Biscayne Bay offers direct water sports access.
What’s the best time to visit?
November-April (dry season) offers perfect weather. Walk or bike around the neighborhood to admire the architecture.
Contact Information
Normandy Isle Marina / Community
Normandy Isle, Miami Beach, FL
Located on Biscayne Bay
Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation – Community facilities
Local Government: City of Miami Beach
Emergency: 911 or Coast Guard Channel 16
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Normandy Isle – Where French heritage, Miami Modern architecture, and Biscayne Bay waterfront living converge
