Miami Beach

This part of Miami Beach once looked like that? See old photos of Normandy Isles

In 1990, Hedva Bank, owner of Hal’s Deli in Normandy Isle.
In 1990, Hedva Bank, owner of Hal’s Deli in Normandy Isle. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File

Normandy Isles in northern Miami Beach surged in popularity after World War II.

Apartment buildings, houses and a golf course popped up in the `1940s and ‘50s.

The North Beach community seemed to have it all: a movie theater, a butcher, delis and bakeries, a supermarket, Italian restaurants, even a newsstand with the latest comic books.

In the 1990s, the area got even more diverse, with an Argentine infusion of people and food.

Now, Normandy Isles is evolving again as old buildings come down and larger residential and commercial buildings rise.

READ MORE: Amid redevelopment of North Beach, restaurant stands test of time

Here’s a look at the early days of Normandy Isles from the photo archives of the Miami Herald:

THE FOUNTAIN

The Normandy Fountain in 1992, before a renovation.
The Normandy Fountain in 1992, before a renovation. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File

THE STORES

A closed Pantry Pride grocery store in Normandy Isle. The building has been several supermarkets through the years.
A closed Pantry Pride grocery store in Normandy Isle. The building has been several supermarkets through the years. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File
Hedva Bank, the owner of the Hal’s Deli in 1989.
Hedva Bank, the owner of the Hal’s Deli in 1989. Peter Andrew Bosch Miami Herald File

THE GOLF COURSE

Normandy Isles municipal golf clubhouse in the 1940s/’50s.
Normandy Isles municipal golf clubhouse in the 1940s/’50s. Miami Herald File
Interior of the new Normandy Isles golf course clubhouse.
Interior of the new Normandy Isles golf course clubhouse. Miami Herald File

THE HOMES AND APARTMENTS

The Dowling Estate on Bay Drive Normandy Isle.
The Dowling Estate on Bay Drive Normandy Isle. Miami Herald File
Apartment buildings on Normandy Isle in 1984.
Apartment buildings on Normandy Isle in 1984. Mary Lou Foy Miami Herald File
Teofil Kulyk, owner of an apartment building on Calais Drive in 1984.
Teofil Kulyk, owner of an apartment building on Calais Drive in 1984. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File

THE STORMS

Normandy Isle flooding after a storm in 1951.
Normandy Isle flooding after a storm in 1951. Miami Herald File
Storm aftermath in Normandy Isle in 1947.
Storm aftermath in Normandy Isle in 1947. Miami Herald File

THE COMMUNITY

Crane operator Ram Maharaja lifts a concrete slab from the foundation of the Biarritz Drive Bridge on Normandy Drive in 1982.
Crane operator Ram Maharaja lifts a concrete slab from the foundation of the Biarritz Drive Bridge on Normandy Drive in 1982. John Walther Miami Herald File
Sculptor Eileen Parnell works in her studio on Normandy Isle.
Sculptor Eileen Parnell works in her studio on Normandy Isle. Miami Herald File
A trash dump on Normandy Isle in 1982.
A trash dump on Normandy Isle in 1982. Miami Herald File
A sign about the re-construction of the Normandy municipal pool in 2004.
A sign about the re-construction of the Normandy municipal pool in 2004. Donna E. Natale Planas Miami Herald File
In 1995, workers on a Normandy Isle project.
In 1995, workers on a Normandy Isle project. Miami Herald File
A family enjoys the Normandy playground in 1990.
A family enjoys the Normandy playground in 1990. Randy Bazemore Miami Herald File
In j1997, Carla Oxios steps into the ditch in front of her shop on the main street heading west on Normandy Drive.
In j1997, Carla Oxios steps into the ditch in front of her shop on the main street heading west on Normandy Drive. Charles Trainor Jr. Miami Herald File

This story was originally published September 19, 2023 at 5:00 AM.

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Jeff Kleinman
Miami Herald
305-376-3561
Consumer Team Editor Jeff Kleinman oversees coverage for health, shopping, real estate, tourism and recalls/scams/fraud.
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