With a new year approaching, a look to Belle Isle’s past

In 1962, Belle Isle in Miami Beach only three highrises — the first, Belle Tower, seven floors and 46 units, a classic built in 1958. Two others were completed in 1962. Terrace Tower, at 3 Island Avenue, is 12 floors and 140 units. The biggest of Belle Isle was Belle Plaza, 15 floors and 226 units, originally a a luxury apartment house.

Only 13 years later, the island had much more development. Go to the Belle Isle Blog to see a photo from 1975.

This story was originally published December 30, 2011 at 4:15 PM with the headline "With a new year approaching, a look to Belle Isle’s past."