The El Cid Historic District, located in West Palm Florida  is bounded by Flamingo Drive, South Flagler Drive, Dyer Road, and South Dixie Highway. It contains 281 historic buildings. The El Cid Neighborhood Association is a 501(c)3 – charitable organization with an all-volunteer board dedicated to the preservation of the historic integrity of the neighborhood. The group is committed to the education of our community through programs highlighting the unique character of the El Cid Historic District.

It’s an attractive and popular neighborhood community for young growing families or young at heart looking to slow down a little bit. The El Cid Neighborhood had its early development in 1875 when Benjamin Lainhart, the first permanent resident on the Lake Worth shore. Mr. Lainhart built a cottage near Barcelona Road and started a business with George W. Potter. The business became active in organizing and participating in civic duties. They worked projects as grandiose as Henry M. Flagler’s Hotel Poinciana.  

The El Cid neighborhood began blossoming 50 years later during the 1920’s Florida land boom.   The most common architectural style in West Palm Beach at the was the Mission style.  There are nearly 2,000 Mission homes and commercial buildings in the city.  The Mediterranean Revival-style followed. The most common architectural style in West Palm Beach was the Mission style.  West Palm Beach was a local center for materials and craftsmen. Local craftsmen, rather than of accomplished and well-known architects, provided the custom features their buyers were interested in and wanted.