El Cid Historic District

El Cid Historic District is a residential neighborhood in West Palm Beach containing approximately 280 buildings spread across 200 acres between Flamingo Drive, South Flagler Drive, Dyer Road, and South Dixie Highway. The homes date from the 1920s development period and display Mediterranean Revival and Mission architectural styles.

The first permanent settlement on this shore began in 1875, and the neighborhood took its current form through systematic development between 1923 and 1926. This development phase shaped the area's distinctive residential character.

The name refers to a Spanish legend and the homes show Mediterranean design influences that shaped how the neighborhood looks. Walking through the streets, you notice decorative tiles, arched doorways, and courtyards that reflect this architectural tradition.

The neighborhood is best explored on foot, with grid streets and connected blocks making navigation straightforward. You will find a quiet residential area with light traffic and minimal commercial activity disrupting the peaceful environment.

A single investor directed the large-scale development from 1923 to 1926 into a coherent urban vision. This concentrated building period under one vision explains the unusual architectural consistency across the neighborhood.